Social Worker III Licensing Permanency Planning

County of Davidson; Penn Hills (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 62,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Davidson is seeking a dedicated social worker to handle the recruitment, training, and licensing of foster families. This role is critical in ensuring that foster children receive the best care and support. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in social work, particularly in foster care and working with families.

You will manage casework for children in custody, ensuring compliance with state regulations and providing ongoing support and evaluation to foster families. A master’s degree in social work and a valid North Carolina driver license are required for this position.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work or a related field is required.
• Valid North Carolina Driver License is mandatory.
• Experience in training families to care for abused or neglected children is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform responsible casework recruiting, training, licensing of foster families.
• Provide case management for interstate foster children.
• Conduct home visits and assessments for family suitability.

Skills

Knowledge of local, state and federal laws related to child welfare

Understanding of psychological problems and child development casework

Interviewing skills

Knowledge of community agencies for appropriate program identification

Knowledge of family dynamics and the effects of abuse and neglect on children

Good verbal and written communication skills

Knowledge of trauma and the effects of placement moves on children

Education

Master's degree in social work

Bachelor's degree in social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative

Bachelor's degree in social work and one year directly related experience

Master's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience

Bachelor's degree in a human services field and two years directly related experience

Bachelor's degree and three years of directly related experience

Experience in training families for child care

Job description

Salary

$29.87 - $38.09 Starting salary based on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

Perform responsible casework recruiting, training, licensing, and re‑licensing of foster families; provide case management for interstate, intercounty foster children, and for children in foster care under Davidson County DSS custody.

• Prepare foster families for placement of children.
• Assess families wishing to be foster and adoptive parents.
• Complete necessary paperwork for licensing within mandated timeframes, including those requested by ICPC.
• Conduct home visits/assessments and individual interviews to determine suitability of families and residences for licensure.
• Perform re‑evaluations/re‑licensing of foster homes within state‑regulated timeframes.
• Create and conduct events to contact prospective foster/adoptive parents.
• Prepare for MAPP training and provide training and support to foster and adoptive parents.
• Stay up‑to‑date with changing NC licensing regulations and standards.
• Conduct quarterly monitoring visits with foster parents for support and information sharing.
• Assess strengths and needs of foster parents.
• Collaborate with foster‑care social workers to address issues regarding foster parents and problem‑solve solutions.
• Assess foster homes for ongoing safety, compliance and best care.
• Prepare pre‑placement assessments on potential adoptive families at the time of licensure.
• Evaluate and provide written assessment and recommendation of the appropriateness of Davidson County residents for children in the custody of other states or counties via ICPC or intercounty/correctional facility requests.
• Monitor placement of children placed via ICPC or intercounty placement agreement.
• Provide testimony in court as needed.
• Arrange services needed for children placed via ICPC or intercounty agreement.
• Participate in CPS staffing meetings to obtain information about children needing placement.
• Assess CPS relative/kinship placements prior to filing of juvenile petition.
• Secure respite care when needed.
• Complete/ update/ distribute weekly placement list of children in custody and their placements.
• Complete daycare requests, placement letters, and other referral paperwork as needed.
• Conduct CFTs for social workers as requested.
• Provide direct services and collaborate with other professionals.
• Arrange and supervise contact with child, parents, siblings, and other significant others as required.
• Conduct monthly visits with child and foster parents/caregivers/adoptive parents to ensure safety and the child’s needs are met.
• Develop a relationship with children on caseload through consistent meaningful contact.
• Locate and maintain contact with all parents or custodians of children.
• Maintain monthly contact/case management with birth parents for foster‑care reunification cases.
• Create timely and accurate court reports.
• Review case records, complete daily documentation, and maintain communication via telephone and email.
• Maintain day sheets and timesheets on a daily basis.
• Prepare various written documents such as home studies, adoption profiles, social histories, and applications for group homes and mental‑health services.
• Maintain and organize case records.
• Meet with supervisor for routine progress conferences and address concerns that arise.
• Adhere to federal, state and county rules, policies, and regulations.
• Perform mandatory emergency shelter duty when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws related to child welfare.
• Understanding of psychological problems and child development casework.
• Interviewing skills.
• Knowledge of community agencies for appropriate program identification.
• Knowledge of family dynamics and the effects of abuse and neglect on children.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of trauma and the effects of placement moves on children.

Physical Requirements

Perform basic life operational support functions, including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Light work up to 20 lbs occasionally, up to 10 lbs frequently, or negligible force constantly. Required visual acuity for computer terminal work and extensive reading. Work occurs both indoors and outdoors; may involve contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids. Extensive driving within county and out of county/state is required. Responsible for opening or working in a shelter as part of disaster team duties.

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work.
• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only).
• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience.
• Master's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience.
• Experience in training families to provide care for abused or neglected children and finding permanence for child in the child welfare system.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Driver License.