SOCIAL WORKER IV PERMANENCY PLANNING

Social Worker IV-Permanency Planning-Children Services Social Services FLSA: N Revision Date: August 1, 2025 Grade: 19 JOB SUMMARY The Permanency Planning Social Worker at Lincoln County DSS provides mandated case management services for children placed in foster care due to abuse, neglect, or dependency. The worker ensures the ongoing safety, permanency, and well‑being of children in DSS custody while working collaboratively with families, service providers, the court system, and foster placements to achieve legal and policy-driven outcomes under North Carolina child welfare law. Employees typically report to a Social Work Supervisor under general supervision. This position is responsible for performing case management and other duties in the provision of services to Child Services clients. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Social Worker I”, “Social Worker II”, “Social Worker III”, “Social Worker IV”, or “Social Worker Trainee”. MAJOR DUTIES Maintain a caseload of foster children and complete monthly face‑to‑face contact with children and placement providers as required by NC policy. Develop and implement individualized case plans and update them according to policy timelines and child/family needs. Coordinate and monitor services such as mental health counseling, parenting classes, visitation, medical care, and etc. Attend and prepare legal documents for court hearings; testify in juvenile court regarding the child’s progress and permanency plan. Respond to emergency calls involving foster children; assess situations and develop response plans; assist in eliminating problems and work toward developing an alternate arrangement. Facilitate Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, Permanency Planning Action Team meetings, and Best Interest Determination (BID) meetings. Monitor the safety and appropriateness of foster homes and placements; provide support and crisis intervention as needed. Maintain all case documentation and confidential files in accordance with state timelines and audit requirements. Participate in an after‑hours on-call rotation. Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and seminars. Perform other related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION Knowledge of methods and principles of casework supervision and training. Knowledge of child development, trauma, family systems, and risk assessment. Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies which govern social work programs. Ability to assess safety, make service referrals, and coordinate multiple agencies. Knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to specific casework and community problems. Proficiency in verbal and written communication, especially in legal and policy-driven environments. Working knowledge of NC FAST, Path NC, Microsoft Office, and case documentation standards. Skill in engaging families and children in high-stress situations with cultural sensitivity. Skill in expressing ideas clearly and concisely and in planning and executing work effectively. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Permanency Planning Supervisor. The supervisor provides guidance on complex cases and reviews work through supervision meetings, documentation audits, and court outcomes. The worker exercises professional discretion within established policies and law. GUIDELINES Guidelines include social work principles and methods, North Carolina General Statutes, federal, state, and county policies and procedures, court guidelines, the Social Worker Code of Ethics, and confidentiality guidelines. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY Cases involve families with complex trauma histories, behavioral health needs, and legal barriers. The social worker must coordinate services, engage resistant parties, and adapt to changing safety conditions. Prioritization and crisis management are essential daily functions. SCOPE AND EFFECT This position directly influences the long‑term safety, stability, and well‑being of children in DSS custody. The effectiveness of the social worker impacts permanency outcomes, family reunification, adoption, and compliance with state and federal performance benchmarks. PERSONAL CONTACTS Contacts include foster and biological parents, children, school personnel, law enforcement, therapists, medical professionals, Guardian ad Litem volunteers, court personnel, and DSS colleagues. PURPOSE OF CONTACTS To assess risk and progress, develop case plans, provide support and information, ensure compliance with legal and policy standards, and coordinate services to achieve permanency goals. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Routine driving for home visits and court appearances; must have a valid NC driver’s license. Walking, standing, and navigating various home environments. Carrying case files, laptops, and materials up to 25 pounds. Responding to emergencies in unpredictable settings. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.The employee may be exposed to infectious diseases.The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks or gloves. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY None MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work or counseling experience; or A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only), and one year of social work or counseling experience; or A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or A master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; or A four-year 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 An equivalent combination of training and experience. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. #J-18808-Ljbffr lincolncountync.gov