SWIAT AFTER HOURS - SECOND SHIFT

General Definition of Work

The Second Shift Social Worker performs advanced professional social work focused on protecting children who are at risk for or have experienced abuse, neglect, or dependency. This position provides investigative, case management, crisis intervention, and counseling services during second-shift hours, responding promptly to reports requiring immediate assessment and safety planning.

Examples of Duties

• Providing social work services including intervention and immediate response to crisis situations for at-risk children in the most complex cases in the department;
• Investigating and substantiating the alleged neglect and abuse, providing expert testimony in court hearings, assessing and evaluating child(ren)'s needs, making case decisions and judgments that impact the life and safety of children, developing service plans and goals and follows-up with case management, treatment referrals and preventive services;
• Managing an investigations or in-home services caseload;
• Preparing detailed and complex court summaries and reports;
• Maintaining records, files and confidentiality.

Intake, Investigations, Assessment & Crisis Response

• Conduct CPS investigations and assessments during second shift hours within mandated timeframes, including immediate response to crisis situations.
• Determine whether abuse, neglect, or dependency has occurred and evaluate immediate and ongoing child safety risks through receiving and screening intakes, interviews, and home visits.
• Interview children, parents, caregivers, and collateral contacts; gather history and assess family functioning.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Safety Plans in compliance with guidelines.
• Provide crisis de-escalation, stabilization, and supportive intervention during crisis situations by utilizing trauma-informed and solution-focused practices.

Case Management

• Manage a small safe caseload during assigned shift.
• Provide immediate safety planning, emergency placement coordination, or removal when necessary.
• Frontload services when deemed necessary by making appropriate referrals for the family.
• Monitor family progress, assess risk changes, and adjust safety assessment accordingly.
• Complete all documentation in required systems.

Professional Judgment & Decision-Making

• Make time-sensitive decisions impacting child safety with limited supervision.
• Analyze complex situations and determine appropriate action quickly.
• Respond independently to crises using calm, trauma-informed, and de-escalating approaches.

Collaboration & Court Work

• Collaborate with law enforcement, schools, and medical/mental health professionals.
• Prepare accurate documentation, case records, and court petitions/summaries.
• Testify in court proceedings as required.

Shift-Based Responsibilities

• Assist peers and supervisors with tasks requiring evening or weekend attention.
• Provide after-hours placement coverage in accordance with the Cabarrus County “Youth in Office” protocol.
• Support emergency shelter operations and countywide emergency response efforts as needed.
• Complete day sheet and timesheets for hours worked during shift.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of CPS practices, trauma, child development, and family systems.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws, procedures, ethics, and documentation requirements.
• Skill in engaging resistant or hostile clients while maintaining professionalism.
• Strong communication skills including report writing and expert testimony.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain strong community partnerships.
• Ability to remain composed during crisis situations.

Minimum Education / Experience requirements

• Required Experience in Social Work (or related)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) 1 year of experience OR a qualifying internship OR successful completion of the NC Child Welfare Collaborative program
• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Master’s Degree in Human Services 1 year of experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services 2 years of experience
• Master's Degree (Any Field) 2 years of social work experience
• Bachelor's Degree (Any Field) 3 years of social work experience
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Previous CPS or SW-IAT experience, especially during after-hours or second shift, is preferred.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Position is designated as safety-sensitive under the County Drug Free Workplace Policy.
• Must meet required timeframes for responding to reports according to state policy.
• Requires second-shift hours including holidays, weekends, or on-call duties.