Social Worker IAT (2nd Shift)

Gaston Social Services: Protecting, caring for and empowering children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administrating of federal, state and county programs focused on improving the well‑being of our citizens. The goal of the Gaston County Human Services Center and Division of Social Services is to foster an agency which is professionally responsive to our citizens' needs through daily caring outreach and simultaneously serve as an advocate for those in need. We strive to be community‑minded and community‑spirited. We abide by federal, state and county operating instructions in providing services and we assist welfare recipients in attaining self‑sufficiency. Anticipated hiring range: $30.43 - $36.14 The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform. Responsibilities Works an evening schedule Monday through Friday with occasional weekend hours when needed to assist with after‑hours coverage. Provides constant coverage of the Child Abuse Hotline and Adult Protective Services Hotline by responding timely to callers who contact the after‑hours hotline. Responsibilities include gathering, exploring, documenting, interpreting, evaluating, and staffing with superiors information from reporters of child protective services issues via telephone calls, office visits, mail, and e‑mails. This worker is responsible for making recommendations to the supervisor as to whether the information reported meets North Carolina statutory definitions and NCDHHS‑Division of Social Services Policy guidance around abuse, neglect, and dependency of children. This worker must conduct responsibilities in a hasty and time‑sensitive manner in order to facilitate the initiation of accepted Child Protective Services Reports and/or Adult Protective Services Reports within required timeframes. This worker is responsible for evaluating needs and referring to helping agencies, in addition to evaluating appropriateness for DHHS interventions. Assesses reports of abuse, neglect, or dependency of children using either a forensic investigative assessment approach or a family assessment approach depending on the severity of the maltreatment reported, and in accordance with state law and divisional policy governing such. Preliminary reviews existing DSS documentation (if such exists) and staffs response process with Supervisor. Conducts a comprehensive initiation of Child Protective Services reports including interviews of all victim children, all caretakers, all persons living in the home, all appropriate collaterals (as indicated by both the reporter and the family being investigated), and all other persons, entities, agencies, professionals, relatives, etc. who might have knowledge about family relationships, behaviors, and incident (or incidents) that prompted the report to DSS. Works collaboratively with law enforcement, and prosecutors on joint investigations of forensic nature. Follows mandated timeframes and procedures for appropriate initiation and continuous process of assessment. Observes the home structure and environment, ensuring that persons, provisions, and location are able to meet the basic needs of each child involved in the report. Completes safety assessments and other tools as appropriate with the family to promote transparent process. When necessary, explores alternative safety resource placement options with the family, in order to avoid removal of physical or legal custody. Engages the family in planning for safety and well‑being, encouraging immediate action and front‑loading services. Incites the professional opinions of necessary contributors (law enforcement, medical personnel, mental health professionals, etc.) in order to adequately determine what safety measures are necessary. This will sometimes include initiating reports of Adult Protective Services Reports that have a required timeframe for contact. Adult Protective Services Reports will follow all APS procedures and guidelines from NCDHHS. Completes referrals from daytime staff by responding to and completing requested activities for Child Protective Services and Foster Care cases as needed after hours. Responds to emergencies that arise outside of office hours. Invokes court action when children cannot be safe in their own homes, seeking direction through legal consultation, and completion/filing of all necessary court paperwork. Accompanies law enforcement to take physical custody of child(ren). Participates in forensic joint interview at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases (with law enforcement and any other appropriate professionals). Participates in unit/team staffing on a weekly basis, presenting completed case assessments for unit/team decision‑making. Solicits guidance, direction, support from supervisor individually at any point in case and/or requests assistance in completing tasks, if needed. Documents all activities, contacts, dates and times on structured documentation tool. Requests necessary supporting documentation from external sources and places such in case file. Participates in local, professionally‑enhancing, and state‑mandated trainings. Participates in monthly MDT meetings where specific cases are discussed in a multi‑disciplinary setting. Participates in quarterly internal meetings with all fellow assessors to discuss policy changes, service gaps, equipment needs, process instruction, etc. Must be available to work mandatory emergency shelters & other duties as assigned. Special knowledge, abilities, skills, physical requirements, and other factors: Ability to work with families around very intense, very personal situations, and represent authority of DSS, but also engage them as a helping agency. The ability to balance the safety needs for children with empowering families to recognize their natural and community supports. Knowledge of MRS strategies and System of Care desired outcomes helpful. Good child development knowledge, as well as excellent communication skills and use of family‑centered practice. Qualifications MSW from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience. MSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only). Master's degree in counseling or human services field and two years of directly related experience. BSW and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative and one year of directly related experience (Child Welfare positions only). BSW from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience. Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and three years of directly related experience. Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university and four years of directly related experience. A valid driver's license is required. A copy of a transcript must be included with the application. FAILURE TO ATTACH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING REJECTED. The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment. In compliance with G.S.153A-94.2 (b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S.143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint‑based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Gaston County Government