CPS Social Worker – Investigations/Assessments

Catawba County, North Carolina; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Catawba County Social Services in Hickory, NC seeks dedicated CPS Social Workers for the Investigations/Assessments team to protect children and support at-risk families. You will conduct immediate safety assessments, develop protection plans, and coordinate crisis interventions, potentially involving court action.

Trainee salary starts at $62,424.51. The role emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and collaboration with partners in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative; OR
• Master's degree from an accredited school of social work with 1 year of social work experience; OR
• Master’s degree in counseling or human services field and 2 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative and 1 year of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and 2 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and 3 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field and 4 years of social work experience

Responsibilities

• Initial response to abuse (physical and/or sexual), neglect, and dependency reports on children
• Completion of thorough assessments, including use of strong interviewing and documentation skills, and making immediate decisions regarding the safety of children
• Establish protection plans
• Apply crisis intervention techniques
• Provide services up front to assure the maximum safety of children, which could include court action
• Continuously assess the safety, risk, and well-being of identified children
• Will receive approximately 10 new CPS families each month

Skills

Interviewing

Documentation

Crisis intervention

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work

Master’s degree in a related human services field

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field

Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field

Job description

Catawba County Social Services is seeking committed and compassionate Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Workers to join our Investigations/Assessments team. In this critical role, you will be at the forefront of efforts to protect children and support families facing challenging circumstances. CPS Social Workers conduct thorough assessments in response to reports of abuse, neglect, and dependency, ensuring the safety, well-being, and stability of children in our community.

We’re looking for individuals who embody our core values – those who act with integrity and professionalism, provide meaningful, solution-focused assessments and interventions to families, work collaboratively with internal and external partners, and strive for excellence in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven workplace.

Trainees, those with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees in other areas of human services, but do not have the required experience, may be considered. Trainee salary starts at $62,424.51.

• Initial response to abuse (physical and/or sexual), neglect, and dependency reports on children
• Completion of thorough assessments, including use of strong interviewing and documentation skills, and making immediate decisions regarding the safety of children
• Establish protection plans
• Apply crisis intervention techniques
• Provide services up front to assure the maximum safety of children, which could include court action
• Continuously assess the safety, risk, and well-being of identified children
• Will receive approximately 10 new CPS families each month

• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative; OR
• Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of social work experience; OR
• Master’s degree in counseling or human services field and 2 years of social work experience, OR
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative and 1 year of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and 2 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and 3 years of social work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field and 4 years of social work experience

• A valid Driver’s License with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• This is considered light to medium work; lifting up to 40 pounds to carry children and belongings.

Preferences

• Direct social work experience in child welfare services or similar experiences
• Experience in interviewing caretakers, children, and other sources, soliciting specific details of child maltreatment to obtain a thorough and comprehensive assessment of alleged child maltreatment
• Applicants with bilingual ability (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply.