Social Worker III - In Home Services

Job Title

Advanced, Professional Level Casework Position

Job Description

Sign on bonus: $2000, $3000 $4000 sign on bonus is available depending on the position and qualifications of the individual selected. This is an advanced, professional level casework position providing protective, investigative, counseling and case management services for children who are at risk for neglect and/or abuse, and/or dependency. Employee provides social work services including treatment and immediate response to crisis situations for at-risk children in the most complex cases. Work involves investigation and/or assessment of alleged abuse, neglect, or dependency and substantiation of the allegation as prescribed by federal and state guidelines, providing expert testimony in court hearings, and following-up with case management and preventive services for clients. Employee analyzes situations and determines appropriate courses of action immediately or in short time spans and often under very stressful conditions.

Investigations and/or assessments must be initiated within the timeframes defined by NC General Statutes and related CPS policy manuals and can be immediate depending on the nature of the allegation(s). Using methods and materials provided by the agency, including electronic devices and software, employees must thoroughly document all contacts with children, parents, and collateral contacts (extended family members, neighbors, school personnel, medical personnel, mental health professionals, etc.) in accordance with NC General Statues and CPS policy. Also, other assessment tools as required by policy (strengths and needs, safety plans, risk assessments, etc.) must be completed. Documentation is to be clear, concise, professional, and current.

CPS Investigations and/or Assessments are to be completed within the timeframes defined by NC General Statutes and related CPS policy manuals. Face-to-face contact with the family is required throughout the investigation and/or assessment phase as defined by statutes and policy. The social worker maintains the case, including making all required contacts, until it is transferred or closed.

In situations where it is determined that the children are at immediate risk and the family is unable or unwilling to provide a safe, alternate plan, the social worker must petition the court for immediate custody of the child or children and arrange for placement in a licensed foster home or in an approved relative placement. The social worker maintains the case, including making all required contacts and completing all required documentation, until it is transferred to a foster care worker. Employee may have combined investigative and in-home case management roles or may have separate functions depending on management decision on the caseload and organization of duties within the agency. Employee may manage a caseload of clients in the most difficult and complex cases. This work involves providing in-home services in a group, family or individual setting to clients of any age and/or with any developmental, mental, medical, financial, substance abuse or family problem including abused, neglected or homeless children. Work includes assessment of individuals and family dynamics, crisis intervention, referrals for treatment and placement in foster care or residential facilities. Worker tracks and reports status of assigned cases, including but not limited to statistical reports, to ensure compliance with mandated timeframes, client contacts, and quality of casework and services. Employees provide court reports and/or expert testimony in court as required. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential. The SW-IAT must be available to ensure critical child protective services are provided in a timely manner as required, and in accordance with, federal and state laws, directives, policy, and guidance. Employee performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

Transcripts need to be submitted with application.

Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; Master's degree in counseling in a human services field and one year of social work or counseling; Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience.

Directly related experience is defined as human services experience in the areas of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning.