Social Worker - IA&T

Child Protective Investigator

Transylvania County is a community with a rich cultural scene, grounded in tradition and history and with a vision for the future. We are a community that has a wonderful public and private education system that provides our region with a well-trained and viable workforce. Transylvania County has a population of 33,211, featuring over 250 waterfalls with the highest, Whitewater reaching a staggering 411ft. For the outdoor enthusiast there are 1000+ miles of trails, 300+ miles of cycling territory including single tracks and fire roads; fly fishing from the many streams, pristine swimming holes and even mountain climbing at the famous Looking Glass Rock scaling 60ft of granite face rock. Come join and see what our community is all about!

Essential Functions

This position provides protective, investigative, counseling and case management services for children who are at risk for neglect and/or abuse in Transylvania County. Position could be subject to assisting with Assessment, In-Home or Foster Care cases if needed.

1. Investigate/assess new protective service reports by observing children involved in the report, identifying verbal and non-verbal behavior, interviewing children and obtaining medical and psychological evaluations as part of the initial evaluation process, as necessary, to determine extent of abuse or neglect; gather data concerning the children from families and schools, community, extended family members, friends or acquaintances; interview family members concerning the alleged abuse or neglect, and the family's overall level of functioning.
2. Employees manage a caseload of clients in the most difficult and complex cases. Work may involve providing treatment in group, family or individual therapy 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 clinical and social investigation, assessment of individuals and family dynamics, crisis intervention, referrals for treatment and placement in foster care or residential facilities. Employees provide expert testimony.
3. Assessment of family dynamics and degree of abuse and neglect using Structured Decision-Making Tools and best practice skills to determine severity and immediacy of the problem and risk to child. Determine if immediate intervention is necessary by removal of children from the home and initiation of appropriate juvenile court action. Arrange for services for family and children as needed.
4. Write court petition, giving clear, concise and cogent grounds for petitioning court, accurate description of abuse or neglect leading to the petition, and accurate accounting of reasonable efforts to avoid court intervention. Include plan of intervention outlined to justify court involvement. Consultation with agency attorney to outline court case, including employee's own testimony, testimony of children and witnesses, testimony of other professionals.
5. Regular ongoing proactive work with families, including face-to-face contact with children and caretakers through home visits and other contacts in the field, including schools and day care centers. Family centered practice skills will be used by employee.
6. Keep timely and accurate documentation in case file, including structured decision-making tools, narrative documentation, and copies of other evaluations, or records as needed to support all case decisions and actions. Work is reviewed by unit supervisors, program managers or higher-level administrators, usually on a routine basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, skills and abilities required: Identifying and prioritizing problem elements under stress, crisis interviewing and counseling to allow worker to take charge, defuse and manage the crisis by identifying and utilizing both customary and creative resources for the benefit of the client to elicit trust and cooperation from the client and others directly involved. Abilities required of the social worker include accurately observing human behavior and environmental conditions, processing collected data in order to effectively recommend and implement a sound course of action in a short period of time, relying on self as a major resource, while operating in an isolated and stress-laden environment, and acting appropriately and effectively on the acquired information. Worker must have the ability to carry our routine case actions while being involved with crisis situations. Possess thorough knowledge of community resources, manual material and state/federal regulations. Identifies elements of medical and mental disorders. Knowledge of interpersonal helping and treatment modalities. Identifies and prioritizes problem areas, often under stressful situations. Interviews clients who are emotionally confused, hostile, or have conflicting social needs. Creates resources when none are known or available. Establishes constructive relationships with resistant clients. Copes with difficult and demanding situations. Coordinates services effectively for clients through ability to work with multi-disciplinary professionals.

Education and Experience

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.
• 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.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related human service field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work, or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

*Candidates who do not meet these standards may be considered for SW Trainee, SW I, SW II, or SW III, depending upon relevant education and experience. (Work against rate applied)

Additional Training/Experience: Child Protective Services workers shall complete a minimum of 18 hours of additional training, and Foster Care and Adoption Workers shall complete a minimum of 39 hours, as determined necessary by the Division of Social Services to adequately meet the position's training needs. All Child Welfare staff shall also complete 24 hours of continuing education annually.

Required License or Certificates Valid Driver's License in the State of North Carolina. Additional Requirements: Clear NC SBI background check Clean Pre-employment Drug Screen Physical Demands This position requires frequent standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods during home visits, interviews, and court appearances. Must be able to drive regularly to conduct fieldwork, including home visits, school visits, and community meetings. Occasional lifting of materials and equipment up to 20 pounds (e.g., case files, child-related items). Requires the ability to observe and interpret verbal and non-verbal behaviors, which may involve close interaction with children and families in varied settings. Ability to handle high-stress situations, including crisis intervention and emergency child removal, which may involve quick physical movement and decision-making. Manual dexterity for writing, typing, and handling documents; visual acuity for reading and assessing written reports and evaluations. Work Environment Work is performed in a combination of office settings and field environments, including private homes, schools, hospitals, and community facilities. Exposure to emotionally charged situations involving child abuse, neglect, and family crises is frequent. Regular travel within Transylvania County is necessary; occasional travel outside the county for court or specialized services may occur. Note: This position requires access to and use of confidential information. The individual filling this position shall sign a confidentiality statement as an employee of Transylvania County Department of Social Services.