Child Welfare Social Worker (In-Home) - 40001351

Child Welfare Social Worker (In-Home)

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General Description:

This is advanced, professional level casework providing protective, investigative, counseling and case management services for children who are at risk for neglect and/or abuse. Employees are assigned to local departments of Social Services and provide social work services including treatment and immediate response to crisis situations for at-risk children in the most complex cases in the departments. Work involves investigation of alleged neglect and abuse, substantiation of the alleged neglect or abuse as prescribed by federal and state guidelines, providing expert testimony in court hearings, and following-up with case management and preventive services for clients.

Employees analyze situations and determine appropriate courses of action immediately or in short time spans and often under very stressful conditions. Employees may provide group, family or individual treatment to clients of any age and any developmental, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial or family problem. Employees typically report to a Social Work Supervisor III under general supervision. Employees may have combined investigative and treatment roles or may have separate functions depending on the size and organizational structure of the departments of Social Services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary. Employees manage a caseload of clients in the most difficult and complex cases. Work may involve providing treatment in group, family or individual therapy to clients of any age and/or with any developmental, mental, medical, financial, substance abuse or family problem including abused, neglected or homeless children.

Work includes clinical and social investigation, assessment of individuals and family dynamics, crisis intervention, referrals for treatment and placement in foster care or residential facilities. Employees provide expert testimony. This position provides In Home Services to families with children who have been found to be abused, neglected or dependent as defined by the General Statutes of North Carolina. Identifies relevant services based on the needs of the family, develops services agreements to address the needs of the family, prepares court summaries and participates in associated court proceedings.

Makes difficult agency decisions regarding the removal of children from abusive and neglectful homes. Provides prevention services for families who may be t have knowledge of child welfare policies and practices including but not limited to social work assessments, crisis intervention, family functioning and child development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect of children. Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law. Thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory.

Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community. Ability to interact and motivate a resistant involuntary client population and the public who may not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs. Ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans. Ability to testify as an expert witness, employ advanced case management…