Social Worker IAT - 2nd Shift

Gaston Social Services protects, cares for, and empowers children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administration of federal, state, and county programs focused on improving the well-being of our citizens.

About the role

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $30.43 - $36.14. This role works an evening schedule of Monday through Friday with occasional weekend hours to assist with after-hours coverage.

Responsibilities

• Provide constant coverage of the Child Abuse Hotline and Adult Protective Services Hotline by responding timely to callers who contact the after-hours Hotline.
• Gather, explore, document, interpret, evaluate, and staff information from reporters of child protective services issues via telephone calls, office visits, mail, and emails.
• Make recommendations to supervisors regarding whether reported information meets North Carolina statutory definitions and NCDHHS-Division of Social Services policy guidance on abuse, neglect, and dependency of children.
• Conduct responsibilities in a time-sensitive manner to facilitate the initiation of accepted Child Protective Services (CPS) and/or Adult Protective Services (APS) reports within required timeframes.
• Evaluate needs and refer to helping agencies, assessing appropriateness for DHHS interventions.
• Assess reports of abuse, neglect, or dependency of children using either a forensic investigative assessment approach or a family assessment approach, depending on the severity of the maltreatment reported and in accordance with state law and divisional policy.
• Conduct preliminary reviews of existing DSS documentation and staff response processes with supervisors.
• Initiate comprehensive CPS reports, including interviews with all victim children, caretakers, persons living in the home, appropriate collaterals, and others who may have relevant knowledge.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and prosecutors on joint investigations of a forensic nature.
• Follow mandated timeframes and procedures for appropriate initiation and continuous assessment processes.
• Observe home structure and environment to ensure basic needs of each child are met.
• Complete safety assessments and other tools with the family to promote a transparent process.
• Explore alternative safety resource placement options with the family to avoid removal of physical or legal custody when necessary.
• Engage families in planning for safety and well-being, encouraging immediate action and front-loading services.
• Incorporate professional opinions from contributors such as law enforcement, medical personnel, and mental health professionals to determine necessary safety measures.
• Initiate APS reports following all NCDHHS procedures and guidelines.
• Complete referrals from daytime staff by responding to and completing requested activities for CPS and Foster Care cases as needed after hours.
• Respond to emergencies that arise outside of office hours.
• Invoke court action when children cannot be safe in their own homes, seeking direction through legal consultation and completing/filing necessary court paperwork.
• Accompany law enforcement to take physical custody of children when required.
• Participate in forensic joint interviews at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases.
• Participate in weekly unit/team staffing, presenting completed case assessments for decision-making.
• Solicit guidance, direction, and support from supervisors as needed.
• Document all activities, contacts, dates, and times using structured documentation tools.
• Request and place necessary supporting documentation from external sources in case files.
• Participate in local, professionally enhancing, and state-mandated trainings.
• Attend monthly Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings to discuss specific cases.
• Participate in quarterly internal meetings with fellow assessors to discuss policy changes, service gaps, equipment needs, and process instructions.
• Be available to work mandatory emergency shelters and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to work with families in intense, personal situations while representing the authority of DSS and engaging them as a helping agency.
• Ability to balance the safety needs of children with empowering families to recognize their natural and community supports.
• Knowledge of MRS strategies and System of Care desired outcomes is helpful.
• Good knowledge of child development, excellent communication skills, and use of family-centered practice.

Qualifications

• MSW from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience.
• MSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only).
• Master’s degree in counseling or human services field and two years of directly related experience.
• BSW and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative and one year of directly related experience (Child Welfare positions only).
• BSW from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and three years of directly related experience.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $30.43 - $36.14 per hour.

Schedule

Evening schedule of Monday through Friday with occasional weekend hours for after-hours coverage.