Social Worker Iv Permanency Planning

Social Worker IV-Permanency Planning-Children Services

Social Services FLSA: N

Revision Date:
August 1, 2025 Grade: 19

The Permanency Planning Social Worker at Lincoln County DSS provides mandated case management services for children placed in foster care due to abuse, neglect, or dependency. The worker ensures the ongoing safety, permanency, and well‑being of children in DSS custody while working collaboratively with families, service providers, the court system, and foster placements to achieve legal and policy-driven outcomes under North Carolina child welfare law.

Employees typically report to a Social Work Supervisor under general supervision. This position is responsible for performing case management and other duties in the provision of services to Child Services clients. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Social Worker I”, “Social Worker II”, “Social Worker III”, “Social Worker IV”, or “Social Worker Trainee”.

• Maintain a caseload of foster children and complete monthly face‑to‑face contact with children and placement providers as required by NC policy.
• Develop and implement individualized case plans and update them according to policy timelines and child/family needs.
• Coordinate and monitor services such as mental health counseling, parenting classes, visitation, medical care, and etc.
• Attend and prepare legal documents for court hearings; testify in juvenile court regarding the child’s progress and permanency plan.
• Respond to emergency calls involving foster children; assess situations and develop response plans; assist in eliminating problems and work toward developing an alternate arrangement.
• Facilitate Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, Permanency Planning Action Team meetings, and Best Interest Determination (BID) meetings.
• Monitor the safety and appropriateness of foster homes and placements; provide support and crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintain all case documentation and confidential files in accordance with state timelines and audit requirements.
• Participate in an after‑hours on-call rotation.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and seminars.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of methods and principles of casework supervision and training.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma, family systems, and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies which govern social work programs.
• Ability to assess safety, make service referrals, and coordinate multiple agencies.
• Knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to specific casework and community problems.
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication, especially in legal and policy-driven environments.
• Working knowledge of NC FAST, Path NC, Microsoft Office, and case documentation standards.
• Skill in engaging families and children in high-stress situations with cultural sensitivity.
• Skill in expressing ideas clearly and concisely and in planning and executing work effectively.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Permanency Planning Supervisor. The supervisor provides guidance on complex cases and reviews work through supervision meetings, documentation audits, and court outcomes. The worker exercises professional discretion within established policies and law.

Guidelines include social work principles and methods, North Carolina General Statutes, federal, state, and county policies and procedures, court guidelines, the Social Worker Code of Ethics, and confidentiality guidelines. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Cases involve families with complex trauma histories, behavioral health needs, and legal barriers. The social worker must coordinate services, engage resistant parties, and adapt to changing safety conditions. Prioritization and crisis management are essential daily functions.

This position directly influences the long‑term safety, stability, and well‑being of children in DSS custody. The effectiveness of the social worker impacts permanency outcomes, family…