Second Shift Assessment Social Worker III

Buncombe County Government; United States; Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Buncombe County Government is seeking a Second Shift Assessment Social Worker III to support child safety under state and federal laws within the Social Services - Child Welfare department.

The position requires a social work degree and related experience. Remote, hybrid, and in-office work options are available for qualified candidates, with the requirement to reside within driving distance of a Buncombe facility.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with 1 year of directly related experience
• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or Human Services with 2 years directly related experience
• Bachelor's degree in another field with 3 years directly related experience
• Equivalent combination of training and experience

Responsibilities

• Assess the risk and safety of children in response to actual or suspected child neglect, abuse, or dependency through conducting a thorough investigation of the home, school and other locations or persons involved.
• Accurately document interviews and interactions with clients by the start of the next shift.
• Ensure safety planning for children in compliance with state and federal statutes and policies.
• If children cannot remain safely in their home a petition to the court and/or non-secure custody is sought.
• Advise clients of the Department’s mandated responsibilities, agency policies and procedures and clients’ rights.
• Support daytime staff with meeting initiation timeframes and completing safety checks.
• Provide supervision to youth without placement.
• Provide transportation to clients as needed.
• Support other counties by completing assist requests.
• Conduct assessments requiring the use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license.

Job description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on September 09, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on September 09, 2026.

Job Title:

Second Shift Assessment Social Worker III

Department:

Social Services - Child Welfare

External Hiring Range:

$29.51 - $35.50

Compensation Grade:

2009

Posted :

Internally and Externally

Work Locations:

Buncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to provide support to child safety in compliance with state and federal statutes regarding Child Protective Services.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

• Master's degree in Social Work;
• a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and one (1) year of directly related experience;
• a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or Human Services and two (2) years directly related experience;
• a Bachelor's degree in another field and three (3) years of directly related experience;
• or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Additional Training and Experience:

• English/Spanish bi-lingual speakers preferred.
• Certificate of completion of the NCDHHS Pre-Service Training: Child Welfare in North Carolina is preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

A current, valid driver's license.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Assess the risk and safety of children in response to actual or suspected child neglect, abuse, or dependency through conducting a thorough investigation of the home, school and other locations or persons involved.
• Accurately document interviews and interactions with clients by the start of the next shift.
• Ensure safety planning for children in compliance with state and federal statutes and policies.
• If children cannot remain safely in their home a petition to the court and/or non-secure custody is sought.
• Advise clients of the Department’s mandated responsibilities, agency policies and procedures and clients’ rights.
• Support daytime staff with meeting initiation timeframes and completing safety checks.
• Provide supervision to youth without placement.
• Provide transportation to clients as needed.
• Support other counties by completing assist requests.
• Conduct assessments requiring the use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including emergency response or shelter response in case of a natural disaster or inclement weather.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and use a personal vehicle.
• Ability to work outside of standard daytime hours.
• Ability to prioritize, identify, and assess risks, problems and needs often in stressful situations with clients who are hostile, emotionally confused, and resistant; Ability to effectively de-escalate individuals.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.
• Knowledge of medical, behavioral, and socio-economic problems and their treatment.
• Knowledge of numerous funding sources and how to utilize them.
• Knowledge of basic criminal justice procedures, elements of medical and mental disorders, personality theory, family systems dynamics, interpersonal relations, and cultural differences, values, and lifestyles.
• Skills in establishing constructive relationships with resistant clients and utilizing family-centered SW practice.
• Skills in counseling and interviewing.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective. It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.

Contact [e-mail] with any questions.

Buncombe County Government offers a first in class benefits package which promotes employee health and well-being. View our benefits or contact a Recruiter with questions.