Social Worker I/A&T

Beaufort County • Beaufort County Department of Social Services, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position in relation to Children’s Services is to receive and document reports of alleged child neglect, abuse and/or dependency. This role involves completing thorough investigations/assessments, documenting family strengths and needs, making referrals and recommendations for continued services, and providing ongoing in-home family services as needed once a case has been substantiated or found “in need of services” or “services recommended”. The position also requires participation in court-related activities as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of children, routine participation in after-hours work when on call or as directed by the supervisor, and assisting other workers within Children’s Services as needed to ensure the safety and stability of children. This position serves a vital role in fulfilling one of the agency’s main goals to assure the safety and stability of children through the use of intervention services as needed and required by law.

Requirements

• 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 theory.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.
• Ability to interact and motivate a resistant involuntary client population and the public who may not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs.
• Ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans.
• Ability to testify as an expert witness.
• 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 environment during daylight hours, after dark and in high crime areas.
• Ability to employ expert negotiation skills in the most complex cases.
• Ability to analyze and assess child development safety issues in 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.
• Ability to perform manual work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Masters Degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work or counseling experience; OR 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 master’s degree in a human services field or related curriculum including at least 15 semester hours in courses related to social work or counseling 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 service field providing experience in the techniques or casework, group work, or community organization; OR an equivalent combination or training and experience.
• Degrees must be from an accredited institution.
• Valid North Carolina License required.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree from accredited school of social work and one year of child welfare experience.
• Master Degree of Social Work and two years of experience in a related counseling, therapeutic, or human relations field.
• Preferred completion of the required CPS pre-service training required by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services.
• BSW or MSW degrees are preferred.
• Applicants with qualified work against status may be considered at lower salary and grade.

Responsibilities

• Receive and document reports of alleged child neglect, abuse and/or dependency.
• Complete thorough investigations/assessments, documenting strengths and needs of the families involved.
• Make referrals and recommendations for those needing continued services.
• Provide ongoing in-home family services as needed once a case has been substantiated or found “in need of services” or “services recommended”.
• Participate in court related activities as needed to ensure the safety and well being of children.
• Participate routinely in after hours work when on call or as directed by the supervisor.
• Assist other workers within Children’s Services as needed to ensure the safety and stability of children.

Benefits

• Hiring salary $58,822
• Rate after successful completion of 12 month probationary period - $61,464
• $5,000 will be added to base pay for selected applicants who have successfully completed their Masters of Social Work degree.
• All DSS employees are called upon to serve shelter duty in times of emergency and/or natural disaster.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level