Family and Children’s Trainer- Lead Worker

McDowell County•Department of Social Services, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Performs advanced professional, training, lead, and program support work within the Family and Children’s Services Division of the Department of Social Services. Provides training, coaching, technical assistance, and day-to-day guidance to Family and Children’s Services staff to promote consistent, effective, and compliant service delivery. Assists with the development and implementation of training programs, monitors work processes and documentation, supports staff development, and serves as a subject matter resource for complex programmatic and casework issues. Work requires considerable knowledge of social work principles, child welfare practices, applicable federal and state laws and regulations, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) requirements, and agency policies and procedures. Work is performed with considerable independent judgment and initiative under the general supervision of the appropriate Family and Children’s Services administrator.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of: Principles and practices of social work and child welfare.
Family and Children’s Services programs and service delivery practices.
Child safety, permanency, and well-being principles.
Case management practices, documentation standards, and assessment processes.
Federal and North Carolina laws, regulations, policies, and standards applicable to child welfare and social services.
Training and adult learning principles.
Community resources and services available to children and families.
Quality assurance and continuous quality improvement principles.
Professional ethics and confidentiality requirements.
Considerable skill in: Training, coaching, mentoring, and developing employees.
Interpreting and explaining complex policies and procedures.
Reviewing case documentation and identifying deficiencies or areas for improvement.
Communicating effectively with employees, supervisors, clients, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Facilitating meetings, trainings, and case consultations.
Building effective working relationships.
Assessing problems and developing practical solutions.
Managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
Using computers and applicable case management, reporting, and office software.
Ability to: Serve as a positive role model and professional resource for Family and Children’s Services staff.
Lead through influence and provide guidance without necessarily having direct supervisory authority.
Apply sound judgment when addressing complex case and programmatic issues.
Analyze information and make appropriate recommendations.
Explain regulations, policies, and procedures clearly and effectively.
Identify employee training and development needs.
Develop and deliver effective training to individuals and groups with varying levels of experience.
Work independently while maintaining effective communication with supervisors and management.
Maintain accurate records and documentation.
Handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, community agencies, and other professionals.
Remain current with changes in laws, regulations, policies, and child welfare best practices.
Associate’s degree in social work, human services, sociology, psychology, or a related field from an appropriately accredited college or university and considerable experience in social services, child welfare, family services, or a closely related field.
Must meet any applicable education, experience, credentialing, and training requirements established by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for the assigned Family and Children’s Services responsibilities.
Must possess or obtain any required North Carolina social work credentials or certifications within the timeframe established by applicable regulations and County policy.
Must maintain required continuing education and professional development.
A valid North Carolina driver’s license may be required.
Must successfully complete applicable background checks and other employment requirements.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, sociology, psychology, or a related field may be preferred.
Relevant supervisory, lead-worker, training, quality assurance, or advanced child welfare experience may be considered in determining qualifications.

Responsibilities

Provides training, orientation, coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development to Family and Children’s Services staff.
Develops and delivers training related to child welfare programs, case management, documentation, assessments, safety planning, permanency planning, investigations, foster care, adoption, and other applicable Family and Children’s Services functions.
Serves as a lead resource for staff regarding policies, procedures, program requirements, and best practices.
Provides technical assistance and consultation to staff regarding complex cases, difficult situations, and programmatic questions.
Assists supervisors and management with identifying training needs and developing appropriate training plans.
Monitors staff performance and work processes to identify trends, knowledge gaps, training needs, and opportunities for improvement.
Reviews case documentation and other work products for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
Assists with quality assurance activities, case reviews, audits, corrective action plans, and program improvement initiatives.
Maintains current knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies, standards, and best practices affecting Family and Children’s Services.
Communicates policy and procedural changes to staff and assists with implementation.
Assists with onboarding and orientation of newly hired Family and Children’s Services employees.
Provides guidance and support to staff during the onboarding and competency-development process.
May assist supervisors with evaluating employee training progress and identifying areas requiring additional coaching or support.
Participates in staff meetings, supervisory meetings, training sessions, workgroups, committees, and professional development activities.
Assists in the development, revision, and maintenance of training materials, manuals, procedures, reference materials, and other instructional resources.
Coordinates or facilitates required and recommended training opportunities for Family and Children’s Services staff.
Tracks employee training requirements, completion, certifications, and continuing education as assigned.
Assists with preparing the agency for state reviews, monitoring visits, audits, accreditation activities, and other compliance-related processes.
Serves as a liaison with state and local partners, community agencies, service providers, and other organizations as assigned.
Provides consultation and assistance to staff regarding community resources and available services.
Assists with identifying service gaps and developing strategies to improve outcomes for children and families.
May provide direct casework assistance during periods of increased workload, staff vacancies, emergencies, or other operational needs.
May assist with complex case staffing and multidisciplinary case consultations.
Promotes consistent application of agency policies and procedures across the Family and Children’s Services Division.
Maintains confidentiality of client, personnel, and agency information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies.
Uses applicable case management, documentation, training, and reporting systems accurately and efficiently.
Prepares reports, correspondence, training records, statistical information, and other documentation as required.
Assists management with special projects, program initiatives, and process improvement efforts.
Performs related duties as assigned.