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 administration of federal, state, and county programs focused on improving the well‑being of our citizens.

An hourly salary range of $30.43 to $35.37 is anticipated for this position.

The duties listed below are not all that may be assigned, but are those that are considered 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 staff response process with the Supervisor. Conducts a comprehensive assessment including interviews of all victim children, all caretakers, all persons 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 a 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 a transparent process. When necessary, explore alternative safety resource placement options with the family 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 determine what safety measures are necessary adequately.
• Invokes court action when children cannot be safe in their homes, seeking direction through legal consultation, and completion/filing of all necessary court paperwork. Accompanies law enforcement in taking physical custody of child(ren). Collaborates with internal licensing/placement experts to identify and locate placement that best meets the child's needs and physically delivers the child to the caretaker.
• Participates in forensic joint interviews at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases (with law enforcement and any other appropriate professionals).
• Participates weekly in unit/team staffing, presenting completed case assessments for unit/team decision‑making. Solicits guidance, direction, and support from the supervisor individually at any point in case and/or requests assistance in completing tasks, if needed.
• Documents all activities, contacts, dates, and times on a 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 the case file.
• Participates in local, professionally‑enhancing, and state‑mandated trainings. Participates in monthly MDT meetings to discuss specific cases 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 in a secondary backup system for after‑hours on call, covering a one‑day slot during periods of illness, vacancy, or emergency by regular after‑hours staff. Must be available to work mandatory emergency shelters and perform other duties as assigned.

• MSW from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience.
• MSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare…