Social Worker I A&T

Franklin County • Louisburg, NC

1d

About The Position

Franklin County is hiring a Social Worker I to provide child protective services to children at risk of abuse, neglect, or dependency. The position provides in-home services to families identified as needing protective services following an investigation or assessment. Services include developing a family-centered plan with specific goals and services to protect children from further harm while addressing the factors that contributed to maltreatment.

The Social Worker responds to mandated reports, conducts Family Assessments or Investigations, evaluates child safety and family needs, coordinates services and Child and Family Team Meetings, and monitors case plans. The role may involve juvenile court proceedings or foster care placement when risk warrants. The employee also provides rotational after-hours on-call coverage, participates in emergency shelter operations during disasters, and may perform frequent unscheduled overtime and other after-hours work. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county-recognized holidays.

Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.
• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices applicable to complex casework, treatment, and child abuse or neglect investigations.
• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures and the ability to cite applicable federal and state law.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral, or psychosocial problems and treatment theory.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental and private community organizations and resources.
• Ability to interact with and motivate resistant involuntary clients and members of the public.
• Ability to prepare investigative reports, case records, treatment plans, and court documentation; ability to testify as an expert witness.
• Ability to use advanced case-management interview techniques and establish supportive relationships with families.
• Ability to assess environmental risks and safety quickly, including after dark and in high-crime areas.
• Ability to use negotiation skills in complex cases and analyze child-development and safety issues in relation to risk factors.
• Ability to analyze tense family situations and make decisions about removing children when information or consultation is limited.
• 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 constantly.
• One of the following education and experience combinations: a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; a master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; 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 rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or related human-service experience involving casework, group work, or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• One year of work experience may be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Respond to legally mandated reports of child abuse, neglect, and dependency within required timeframes, following the appropriate Family Assessment or Investigation track.
• Interview and observe household members, the child’s environment, and relevant collateral contacts; participate in Child and Family Team Meetings.
• Assess child safety, family risk, strengths and needs, and compliance with identified services.
• Meet and document state and federal requirements in the NCFAST Automated System.
• Continually assess whether juvenile court involvement or foster care placement is needed.
• Refer families to appropriate services, monitor service access, and coordinate with other agencies.
• Coordinate Child and Family Team Meetings and develop measurable, goal-specific case plans to maintain children safely at home and reduce risk.
• Review prior Child Protective Services records and request records from other professional agencies.
• Testify in court, work with court officials, and prepare documents for court submission.
• Provide rotational agency on-call coverage, including responding to reports and requests for assistance after normal business hours.
• Work emergency shelters on a rotating schedule during disasters.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance
• Elective supplemental insurance options, including short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life
• Local government retirement
• 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution and no employee match required
• Paid leave, including 13 county-observed paid holidays per year
• Employee wellness program
• County-sponsored gym
• Employee assistance program

What This Job Offers

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