Social Worker IV - I/A & T

Job Title

An employee in this class is responsible for the investigation of alleged neglect and abuse, substantiation of the alleged neglect or abuse as prescribed by federal and state guidelines. The employee provides expert testimony in court hearings, case management, and preventive services for clients. Employees analyze situations and determine appropriate courses of action immediately or in short time spans and often under stressful situations. Employee should seek supervisory consultation as needed in determining the appropriate action. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Social Work III Supervisor.

Responsibilities

Dayshift workers manage a caseload of clients in the most difficult and complex cases. Provides treatment in group, family or individual therapy to clients of any age and/or with any developmental, mental, medical, financial, substance abuse or family problems including abused, neglected or homeless children. Completes clinical and social investigations, assessments of individuals and family dynamics, crisis intervention, referrals for treatment and placement in foster care or residential facilities. Establishes protection plans and applies intervention techniques. Provides group, family, or individual treatment to clients of any age and any developmental, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial or family problems Works cohesively with families, children, community, and in-agency partners to support and strengthen families. Continuously assesses the safety, risk, and well-being of identified children. Performs other duties as assigned. In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations is expected. Employee is required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during, and after the emergency. Employee is also required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training. On-call workers: Employees assigned to on-call will work the hours of 5 pm to 8 am in a rotation of 7 days on/7 days off. 2nd shift workers: Employees assigned to 2nd shift will work the hours of 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect of children. Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law. Thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment history. Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community. Ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records, and treatment plans. Ability to employ advanced case management interview techniques to establish a supportive relationship and involve families in the initial assessment for the need of services. Ability to quickly assess the risks and safety of the client's environment. Ability to employ expert negotiation skills in the most complex cases. Ability to analyze and assess child development safety issues in the relation to risk factors Ability to analyze tense family situations and make decisions about removing children when the decision has to be made with limited direct information and limited access to consultation. Ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive client relationships.

Required Minimum Education / Experience

Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; or Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or Master's degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; or Bachelor's degree in a human services field or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience; or Graduation from a four year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling or a related human services field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work or community organization; or Equivalent combination of training and experience. Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license. Child Welfare pre-service training or obtain within 6 months of hire. Possess a valid REAL ID, U.S. Passport, or other federally-approved identification document acceptable for air travel, or obtain such document within 6 months of hire. A minimum of 24 hours of additional training is required for each social work position annually after preliminary requirements for pre-service training are met. Many opportunities are provided for the employee to attend program-specific and/or technical training. Additionally, local training and professional conferences are available as reasonable and appropriate. One year of work experience can be credited for completing the Child Welfare Education Collaborative.