Social Worker I A&T

General Statement of Duties

Franklin County is seeking a committed and compassionate Social Worker I to join our Child Protective Services team and help safeguard the well-being of children and families in our community. In this vital role, you’ll conduct assessments, respond to reports of abuse or neglect, and work closely with families to ensure safety, stability, and support.

Compensation

To Be Determined Based on Experience and Qualifications

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance
• Elective supplemental insurance options such as short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life
• Local government retirement
• 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution (no employee match required)
• Generous paid leave that includes 13 county-observed paid holidays per year
• An employee wellness program inclusive of a county sponsored gym and an employee assistant program

Duties And Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Respond to legally mandated reports of abuse, neglect, and dependency within a defined timeframe
• Interview and observe all members of the alleged victim child's household, the household itself, the child's daily environment, identify and interview key collateral contacts, and participate in Child and Family Team Meetings
• Achieve and document compliance with state and federal mandates within the NCFAST Automated System
• Identify and request records from other key professional agencies
• Coordinate with other agencies to provide the family with any and all services identified, not limited to Child Protective Services
• Review previous Child Protective Services records and identify the need for Juvenile Court involvement or Foster Care placement
• Prepare documents for court submission and testify as an expert witness
• Perform manual work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect of children
• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law
• Thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory
• Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community
• Ability to interact and motivate a resistant involuntary client population and the public who may not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs
• Ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans
• Ability to testify as an expert witness
• Ability to employ advanced case management interview techniques to establish a supportive relationship and involve families in the initial assessment for the need of services
• Ability to quickly assess the risks and safety of the client environment during daylight hours, after dark and in high crime areas
• Ability to employ expert negotiation skills in the most complex cases
• Ability to analyze and assess child development safety issues in relation to risk factors
• Ability to analyze tense family situations and make decisions about removing children when the decision has to be made with limited direct information and limited access to consultation
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive client relationships

Desirable Education and Experience

• Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience
• or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience
• or Master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience
• or a four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience
• or graduation from a four-year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling or a related human service field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work or community organization
• or an equivalent combination of training and experience

Other Information

Must possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.