Job Class Description
Performs advanced professional social work involving the investigation, assessment, and treatment of child abuse and neglect cases. Provides protective, investigative, counseling, and case management services to children and families. Serves as the primary on-call Social Worker for Child Welfare Services, handling Adult Protective Services (APS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) intake, out-of-county and out-of-state courtesy requests, and prevention services. Responds to crisis situations, investigates allegations, determines appropriate interventions, and provides case management and preventive services. Represents the agency in court proceedings and provides expert testimony as needed.
Essential Duties
Assessment/Investigation
- Conducts family and investigative assessments to determine the need for services and ensure child safety.
- Reviews agency records and interviews parents, children, and collateral contacts to assess safety risks and potential harm.
- Conducts client visits in homes, schools, medical facilities, correctional facilities, and other agency settings.
- Refers clients to appropriate community resources to address identified needs.
Crisis Intervention
- Coordinates and facilitates Child and Family Team meetings.
- Participates in the agency's after-hours on-call coverage system.
- Provides individual, family, or group counseling and treatment services, as appropriate.
Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities
- Participates in supervision, required meetings, and committees as assigned.
- Completes timesheets, mileage reports, tracking forms, and other required documentation.
- Prepares and maintains accurate, timely case records and service documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Court Involvement
- Prepares and presents court reports and provides testimony in various proceedings, including adjudication, permanency planning, and termination of parental rights hearings.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
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 community resources, including governmental and private service organizations.
- 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 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 high-stress 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
- 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.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and a good driving record.
Required Certifications
- No required certifications noted.
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