Social Worker IAT

Gaston Social Services:
Protecting, caring for and empowering children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administrating of federal, state and county programs focused on improving the well-being of our citizens.

The goal of the Gaston County Human Services Center and Division of Social Services is to foster an agency which is professionally responsive to our citizens' needs through daily caring outreach and simultaneously serve as an advocate for those in need. We strive to be community-minded and community-spirited. We abide by federal, state and county operating instructions in providing services and we assist welfare recipients in attaining self-sufficiency.

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

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Assesses 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 governing such. Preliminary reviews existing DSS documentation (if such exists) and staffs response process with Supervisor. Conducts a comprehensive assessment including interviews of all victim children, all caretakers, all person living in the home, all appropriate collaterals (as indicated by both the reporter and the family being investigated), and all other persons, entities, agencies, professionals, relatives, etc.
  
  who might have knowledge about family relationships, behaviors, and incident (or incidences) that prompted the report to DSS. Works collaboratively with law enforcement, and prosecutors on joint investigations of forensic nature. Follows mandated time frames and procedures for appropriate initiation and continuous process of assessment. Observes the home structure and environment, ensuring that persons, provisions, and location are able to meet the basic needs of each child involved in the report.
  
  Completes safety assessments (initial and final) and all structured documentation tools with the family to promote transparent process. When necessary, explores alternative safety resource placement option with the family, in order to avoid removal of physical or legal custody. Engages the family in planning for safety and well-being, encouraging immediate action and front loading services. Incites the professional opinions of necessary contributors (law enforcement, medical personnel, mental health professionals, etc.)
  
  in order to adequately determine what safety measures are necessary.

• Invokes court action when children cannot be safe in their own homes, seeking direction through legal consultation, and completion/filing of all necessary court paperwork. Accompanies law enforcement to take physical custody of child(ren). Collaborates with internal licensing/placement experts to identify and locate placement that best meets the needs of the child and physically delivers the child to caretaker.
• Participates in forensic joint interview at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases (with law enforcement and any other appropriate professionals).
• Participates in unit/team staffing on weekly basis, presenting completed case assessments for unit/team decision-making. Solicits guidance, direction, support from supervisor individually at any point in case and/or requests assistance in completing tasks, if needed.
• Documents all activities, contacts, dates and times on structured documentation tool in NC Fast. Requests necessary supporting documentation from external sources (i.e. medical/hospital records, police reports, 911 response sheet) and places such in case file.
• Participates in local, professionally-enhancing, and state-mandated trainings. Participates in monthly MDT meetings where specific cases are discussed in a multi-disciplinary setting. Participates in quarterly internal meetings with all fellow assessors to discuss policy changes, service gaps, equipment needs, process instruction, etc.
• Participates…