Job Class Description

Performs professional social work involving Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations, family assessments, and short-term in-home services to address safety concerns, reduce risk, and stabilize families. Conducts field investigations, develops safety plans, evaluates family needs, and coordinates services with community partners. Applies the Multiple Response System (MRS) and Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools to assess child safety and risk. Manages a moderately complex caseload requiring extensive fieldwork, timely decision-making, case documentation, court preparation, and testimony. Collaborates with law enforcement, schools, medical and behavioral health providers, and the court system. Participates in after-hours on-call emergency coverage. A hybrid or remote work schedule may be available after successful completion of one year of employment.

Essential Duties

Intake, Investigations & Assessments

Conducts timely face-to-face contacts, interviews children and caregivers, and completes safety and risk assessments.
Determines maltreatment findings, identifies safety threats and caregiver protective capacities, and develops and monitors safety plans.
Prioritizes responses according to established policies and timelines, including immediate, 24-hour, and 72-hour responses.
Coordinates emergency responses and joint investigations as needed.

In-Home Treatment Services

Provides short-term case management services to address safety concerns, encourage behavioral changes, and stabilize families.
Develops Family Service Agreements with measurable goals and objectives.
Coordinates and monitors services, including behavioral health, parenting education, substance use treatment, and domestic violence support.
Evaluates family progress and adjusts service plans as needed.

Documentation & Court Responsibilities

Maintains accurate and timely case records in the state child welfare information system, including NC FAST/NC PATH, and in accordance with agency procedures.
Prepares court affidavits, petitions, and reports in support of legal proceedings.
Coordinates with the County Attorney and provides credible testimony in court.

Collaboration & Family Meetings

Facilitates and participates in Child and Family Team meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and case staffing.
Supports family visitation and concurrent planning when applicable.
Completes required cross-reports to law enforcement, District Attorney offices, and licensing agencies.
Coordinates services and investigations across jurisdictions as needed.

Safety & Professional Practice

Applies appropriate field safety and de-escalation techniques and plans safe client visits.
Follows personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and agency safety protocols.
Maintains confidentiality and complies with applicable privacy laws, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and records retention requirements.
Applies trauma-informed and culturally responsive social work practices.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

Meets established timeliness and quality standards for client contacts, SDM assessments, and case documentation.
Participates in quality assurance reviews and implements corrective actions as needed.
Maintains current knowledge of policy changes and applies updates to daily casework.

Knowledge and Skills

Thorough knowledge of social work principles, practices, and techniques related to complex casework, treatment, and investigations of child abuse and neglect.
Thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, policies, and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral, and psychosocial conditions and treatment approaches.
Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and community resources.
Ability to engage and motivate resistant or involuntary clients and effectively communicate with individuals who may disagree with applicable laws, policies, or procedures.
Ability to prepare investigative reports, court documentation, case records, and treatment plans.
Ability to provide expert testimony in court proceedings.
Ability to use advanced interviewing and case management techniques to establish supportive relationships and engage families in initial assessments and services.
Ability to quickly assess client safety and environmental risks, including during after-hours situations and in high-crime areas.
Ability to apply advanced negotiation skills in complex and challenging cases.
Ability to analyze child development, safety concerns, and risk factors.
Ability to evaluate tense family situations and make critical decisions regarding child removal with limited information or access to consultation.
Ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive relationships with clients and families.

Minimum Qualifications

One of the following combinations of education and experience is required:

Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one (1) year of social work experience; or
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two (2) years of social work or counseling experience; or
Master’s degree in a counseling field and two (2) years of social work or counseling experience; or
A four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum and three (3) years of social work or counseling experience; or
Graduation from a four-year college or university and four (4) years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related human services field providing experience in casework, group work, or community organization techniques; or
An equivalent combination of training and experience.
One year of work experience may be credited for completion of the Social Work Collaborative.

To Apply: Email your resume to [email protected]

For additional information regarding this position, please visit Job Descriptions

Granville County is an Equal Opportunity Employer