Social Worker Trainee

Trainee Social Worker Position

The primary purpose of this position is to learn, train, and gain qualifying experience in the North Carolina Child Welfare system to become fully qualified for appointment to a permanent position as a Social Worker III or Social Worker Investigative/Assessment and Treatment.

Incumbent functions in a trainee status under the tutelage of a Foster Care Social Worker or Child Protection Investigator (Social Worker Investigative/Assessment/Treatment (SW-IAT) to attain proficiency in the below listed duties and become qualified, under the Office of State Human Resources rules for local government, for promotion to a Foster Care Social Worker or Child Protection Investigator (SW-IAT) in Randolph County DSS.

• Investigate alleged abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment of children to determine if abusive or unsafe conditions exist and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of children in accordance with state mandated timeframes.
• Interview children and adults concerning allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment to ascertain the validity of allegations, document living conditions, and determine the need to remove children from an unsafe environment.
• Inform clients of and implement available social service programs to assist them with their needs.
• Conduct follow up visits to ensure the safety of children is being maintained and support programs are in place.
• Testify in court to accurately and concisely relate the circumstances of cases investigated.
• Establish and manage case files to include accurate and timely documentation of investigative activities in the statewide child welfare information system.
• Perform other related duties as required.

To be acquired during the training period:

• Considerable knowledge of the theories and practices used in foster care, child protection, and family support program areas.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing child welfare programs including foster care and child protection.
• Working knowledge of professional ethics related to government child welfare programs.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and county community social service programs available for foster care, child protection, and family support.
• Working knowledge of investigative techniques, processes, procedures, and timeframes.
• Working knowledge of court procedures related to child welfare proceedings.
• Working knowledge of North Carolina child welfare, and Randolph County DSS, policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate information and develop logical conclusions in a timely manner.
• Ability to interview children and adults to determine the validity of allegations.
• Ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor during court testimony and cross examination.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to include preparing documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans in a timely manner.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to use a computer, general computer applications, case management systems, and related software.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Minimum Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited four-year degree granting college or university. Preferred areas of study include Behavioral Sciences, Community Development, Criminal Justice/Criminology, Education, Health Science, Human Development, Human Sciences, Human Services, Law, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, Social Policy, Sociology, and Social Work.