SOCIAL WORKER I A & T (CPS)

Bladen County; Elizabethtown (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bladen County seeks an advanced level professional social worker to perform family assessments, forensic investigations, and comprehensive safety evaluations in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect.

The role involves collaboration with community agencies, court involvement, and delivering treatment plans to diverse clients while maintaining professional standards and safety.

Qualifications

• MSW from an accredited school of social work is required and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative.
• BSW from an accredited school of social work with completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative is acceptable to meet education requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of social work methods, child welfare policies and practices, and ability to develop effective plans for client needs.

Responsibilities

• Provides family assessments and forensic investigations in response to reports of suspected child abuse, neglect and dependency.
• Conducts comprehensive assessments of child safety, family strengths and needs, and family support systems.
• Works with community agencies to assist families in attaining optimum functioning.
• Prepares court summaries, participates in court proceedings and testifies when needed.
• Analyzes situations to determine appropriate courses of action under pressure.
• Provides group, family or individual treatment to clients of any age and with various issues.

Skills

Social work knowledge

Case management

Crisis intervention

Cultural sensitivity

Communication skills

Education

MSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative

BSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative

Job description

To perform advanced level professional social work providing services in serious and complicated cases that require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills.

• Provides family assessments and forensic investigations in response to reports of suspected child abuse, neglect and dependency as defined by the General Statutes of North Carolina.
• Conducts comprehensive assessments of child safety, family strengths and needs, and family support systems.
• Works in partnership with community agencies to assist families in attaining optimum functioning.
• Prepares court summaries, participates in associated court proceedings and testifies when needed.
• Analyzes situations and determines appropriate courses of action immediately or in short time spans and often under very stressful conditions.
• Provides group, family or individual treatment to clients of any age and any developmental, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial or family problem.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, typewriter, copier, telephone, calculator, etc.; uses clerical and computer supplies.
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other County department heads and employees, clients and family members, other social service and health professionals, various outside social service / health agencies, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, school personnel, and the general public.
• Attends meetings, training, workshops, conferences, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs general administrative/office work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, copying and filing documents, reviewing correspondence, answering the telephone, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Department of Social Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Social Worker III IA&T.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of social work, especially in the areas of adult and child protective services, adult home care, foster / adoptive services; is able to identify client needs and to develop and implement effective plans to help meet those needs.
• Thorough knowledge of child welfare policies and practices (including, but not limited to social work investigation, crisis intervention, family functioning and child development) and be able to integrate this knowledge and skill into solid social work practice.
• Thorough knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and basic mathematics.
• Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Thorough knowledge of terminology used in the profession; has considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; has considerable knowledge of the methods of case recording and report preparation.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding social services.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for word and data processing and records management.
• Knowledge of caseload management methods.
• Ability to work with colleagues to identify the needs of clients and to determine appropriate services; is able to monitor cases and the welfare of clients and to take action as needed to protect adults’ / children’s rights and well-being.
• Ability to use best practices, strategies, professional judgment and time management skills in complex situations.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to react professionally and decisively in confrontational situations; is able to deal safely and appropriately with persons exhibiting anger and/or threatening behavior.
• Ability to advocate and promote practices of cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all daily interactions.
• Ability to develop, promote and practice teamwork in all activities.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, trusting, age-appropriate relationships with clients and others involved in the care of clients.
• Ability to plan and present informative educational presentations to clients and other individuals and organizations.
• Ability to assist in coordinating activities with other County departments, health / social service agencies, medical personnel, school personnel, etc., in order to accomplish goals.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with clients, personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.
• Ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Minimum Education and Experience

MSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative; MSW from an accredited school of social work plus one year directly related experience; BSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative plus one year directly related experience; BSW from an accredited school of social work plus two years directly related experience; four year degree in a human service field plus three years directly related experience; four year college or university degree plus four years of directly related experience.

Special Requirements

• Possess valid North Carolina Driver’s License
• Bilingual preferred English/Spanish

This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. Bladen County reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.

BLADEN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER