Social Worker IAT - Foster Care

Jackson County•15 Griffin Street -- Sylva, NC

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

This is advanced, professional level casework providing protective, investigative, counseling and case management services for children who are at risk for neglect and/or abuse. Employees provide social work services including treatment and immediate response to crisis situations for at-risk children in the most complex cases.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; OR
Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; OR
Master's degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; OR
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
One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative
Possession of a valid, State of North Carolina driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle
Knowledge of social work theory, techniques and practices, individual and group behavior, social problems, medical and mental illness, family dynamics, coping behavior, crisis intervention, and treatment of various medical and mental diseases and social issues
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 make decisions that affect children and their families and are often made under stressful and sometimes dangerous situations
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

Nice To Haves

Will accept "work-against" applications.

Responsibilities

Investigation of alleged neglect and abuse
Substantiation of the alleged neglect or abuse as prescribed by federal and state guidelines
Providing expert testimony in court hearings
Following-up with case management and preventive services for clients
Analyzing situations and determining appropriate courses of action immediately or in short time spans and often under very stressful conditions
Providing group, family or individual treatment to clients of any age and any developmental, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial or family problem
Managing a caseload of clients in the most difficult and complex cases
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
Clinical and social investigation
Assessment of individuals and family dynamics
Crisis intervention
Referrals for treatment and placement in foster care or residential facilities
Providing expert testimony
Determining whether abuse or neglect has occurred, to what extent and how it occurred
Selecting appropriate treatment for the family and clients
Following state and federal laws, program rules, directives, policies and regulations, professional ethics and quality assurance standards
Assessing safety and well-being of children in abuse and neglect situations
Communicating effectively and establishing supportive client relationships