Social Worker III - In-Home Services

Randolph County, NC is offering a sign-on bonus of $2,000–$4,000 depending on the position and qualifications of the selected candidate.

About the Role

This is an advanced, professional-level casework position providing protective, investigative, counseling, and case management services for children at risk for neglect, abuse, and/or dependency. The role involves delivering social work services, including treatment and immediate crisis response for at-risk children in the most complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and/or assess allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency, substantiating findings as prescribed by federal and state guidelines.
• Provide expert testimony in court hearings and follow up with case management and preventive services for clients.
• Analyze situations and determine appropriate courses of action under stressful conditions, often with short timeframes.
• Initiate investigations or assessments within timeframes defined by NC General Statutes and CPS policy, which may require immediate action depending on the nature of the allegation.
• Document all contacts with children, parents, and collateral contacts (e.g., extended family, school personnel, medical professionals, mental health providers) using agency-provided methods, including electronic devices and software.
• Complete required assessment tools (e.g., strengths and needs, safety plans, risk assessments) in accordance with NC General Statutes and CPS policy.
• Ensure investigations or assessments are completed within mandated timeframes, including face-to-face contact with families as required by statutes and policy.
• Determine case outcomes, including substantiation of allegations, ensuring child safety, conducting risk assessments, and identifying required services for transfer or closure.
• Maintain cases, including all required contacts and documentation, until transfer or closure.
• Petition the court for immediate custody of children when they are at risk and the family cannot or will not provide a safe plan; arrange placement in licensed foster homes or approved relative placements.
• Manage a caseload of clients in the most difficult and complex cases, potentially combining investigative and in-home case management roles.
• Provide in-home services in group, family, or individual settings to clients of any age with developmental, mental, medical, financial, substance abuse, or family problems, including abused, neglected, or homeless children.
• Assess individuals and family dynamics, provide crisis intervention, and make referrals for treatment or placement in foster care or residential facilities.
• Track and report the status of assigned cases, including statistical reports, to ensure compliance with mandated timeframes, client contacts, and service quality.
• Prepare court reports and provide expert testimony as required.
• Ensure critical child protective services are provided in a timely manner, adhering to federal and state laws, directives, policy, and guidance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

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

Directly related experience is defined as human services experience in case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy, and treatment planning. Transcripts must be attached with the application.

Pay

$57,285.40 - $62,548.00 annually.

Schedule

Full-time. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential. Availability to respond to critical child protective services in a timely manner is required, including adherence to federal and state laws, directives, policy, and guidance.

Benefits

For details on benefits, visit Randolph County Employee Benefits.