Social Worker (Independent Contractor)

State of North Carolina•Cleveland, NC

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Parent Defender (OPD) invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Interdisciplinary Parent Representation Program (IPRP) Contract Social Worker. OPD is a state-wide office within Indigent Defense Services that was created to assist attorneys representing parents in abuse, neglect, and dependency (A/N/D) cases. In OPD’s Interdisciplinary Parent Representation (IPR) Program, contract social workers are paired with parent attorneys to provide legal representation to parents involved in an A/N/D case. Social workers help promote parent engagement, understanding of the child welfare process, and connection to services tailored to the individual needs of the parent. With this program, North Carolina seeks to enhance parent representation, reduce time in foster care, and achieve permanency faster. The IPR contract social workers are part of the attorney’s legal team as a "Nonlawyer Assistant" under Rule 5.3 of the North Carolina Rules of Professional and report directly to the assigned attorney on the case. Additionally, the contract social workers are provided with program support by the IPR Program Manager, an employee of OPD. Part-time and full-time contract positions are available. Full-time contractors are expected to bill a maximum of 40 hours per week. Contractors are paid $50 per hour and will be allowed to bill for mileage and other allowable expenses. Contractors are not agents or employees of the State of North Carolina and perform their duties solely as independent contractors.

Requirements

Master’s degree (MSW) from social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and one (1) year of social work experience, or Bachelor’s degree (BSW) from social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and two (2) years of social work or counseling experience, or Bachelor’s degree in human services field or related curriculum and three (3) years social work or counseling experience
Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a working vehicle
A smart phone and laptop
Professional liability insurance

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the North Carolina child welfare system, including policy, practice, and agency operations
Clinical understanding of mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and family systems
Excellent advocacy, communication, and clinical skills
Commitment to social justice
Demonstrated ability to work on a multidisciplinary team
Self-directed organizational and time management skills
Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with a variety of stakeholders
Ability to travel

Responsibilities

Communicate with the attorney on an ongoing basis
Facilitate and encourage parent engagement in their case
Communicate with parent’s support system
Help find court-ordered services and other resources
Advocate for and support parents at meetings
Prepare parent for successful visitation/family time
Collaborate with community and state agencies to help parents achieve their goals
Perform other duties as requested by the attorney
Submit timely and accurate monthly billing and data reports to OPD
Attend meetings and trainings required by the IPR Program Manager