What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker III - In-Home position at Alexander County, NC?
An employee in this class is responsible for managing a caseload of moderate-to-high risk cases where abuse, neglect, and/or dependency has been established. The employee will engage the family through the Child & Family Team process to resolve safety issues and address well-being needs. This employee is also responsible for mentoring and training new staff with the same responsibilities. The employee must demonstrate high-level knowledge and good judgment in assessing whether a child can safely in his/her home, seeking supervisory/attorney consultation, and taking swift and appropriate action to move a child to safety when necessary. The position requires after hours work as needed; as well as on-call backup coverage on a rotating basis. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Social Work Supervisor III.
- Manages a caseload including reviewing history; and conducting home, school, and field visits.
- Contacts and sees all appropriate family members and collaterals, and develops a case plan with the family.
- Works collaboratively with community partners and professionals.
- Staff all cases with the supervisor and child welfare team, and participates in team meetings.
- Counsels and encourages the family as well as connects the family with available resources.
- Attends all court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation, including invoking court action when children cannot be safe in their home.
- Accompanies law enforcement to take physical custody of child(ren) as necessary.
- Collaborates with internal licensing/placement social worker to identify and locate appropriate placement and physically delivers child(ren) to caretaker.
- Completes necessary documentation of narratives, assessments, meetings, documentation; and medical or educational documentation.
- Attends local and state-mandated trainings including professional development conferences, seminars, and webinars.
- Provides training, job shadowing, mentoring, coaching, support, and encouragement to new hires from a co-worker perspective.
- Performs additional duties as required.
- In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations is expected. The employee is required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours, and/or work location in preparation for, during, and after the emergency. The employee is also required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
- Knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices must be demonstrated and applied to specific casework and community problems.
- Must have training around grief and loss, and be able to understand the effects of separation on a child.
- Considerable knowledge of behavioral and socioeconomic problems is required.
- Working knowledge of government, civic, and private organizations as well as community resources.
- Working knowledge of the organization, functions, and programs of County government.
- Ability to understand laws, regulations, and policies which govern social work programs.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all individuals orally and in writing.
- Knowledge and ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, and spelling skills.
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, and to plan and execute work effectively.
- Ability to accurately prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
- Considerable knowledge of computers for word processing, data retention, and retrieval and the ability to utilize office equipment.
- Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; or
- Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); or
- Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; or
- Master's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience; or
- Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; or
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience.
- Possession of North Carolina driver's license.
One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative. Preservice training in the amount of 72 hours provided by the NC Division of Social Services must be completed.
A minimum of 24 hours of additional training is required for each social work position annually, after preliminary requirements for pre-service training is met. Many opportunities are provided for the employee to attend program specific and/or technical training. Additionally, local trainings and professional conferences are made available as reasonable and appropriate.
Salary : $49,181 - $69,492
