Impactful CPS Investigations & Assessments Social Worker

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 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.