Social Work Trainee

General Statement

The Social Work Trainee, under general supervision, learns, trains, and gains qualifying experience to perform professional-level protective, investigative, counseling, and case management services for children who are at risk for neglect and/or abuse under the direct supervision of a Senior Social Worker and supervisor. 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, and following up with case management and preventative services for clients.

Employees may provide group, family, or individual treatment to clients of any age and any development, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial, or family problem.

• Trains, learns, and gains qualifying experience to become fully qualified as a Senior Social Worker in Child Welfare Services.
• Functions as a trainee, carrying a caseload of 6-8 cases, under the direct supervision of a Senior Social Worker and supervisor to attain proficiency in the essential functions of a Senior Social Worker.
• Performs clinical and social investigation, assessment of individuals and family dynamics, and crisis intervention.
• Exercises considerable judgment in determining whether abuse or neglect has occurred, to what extent and how it occurred.
• Maintains contact with parents, therapists, Guardian Ad Litem, Children Developmental Services Agency, Care Coordination 4 Children attorneys, medical providers, substance abuse agencies, domestic violence agencies, and relatives as it relates to the needs of the child and family.
• Provides case management and foster care services for children who have been neglected and/or abused.
• Prepares documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records, and treatment plans. Testifies as an expert witness.
• Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, County policy, standards, and prescribed procedures. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations.
• Stays abreast of social work theory, techniques and practices, individuals and group behavior, social problems, medical and mental illness, family dynamics, coping behavior, crisis intervention, and treatment of various medical and mental diseases and social issues.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school of social work or human services, and six (6) months of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.
• May be subject to a fingerprint background check.

Must be physically able to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions including computers, telephones, etc. Must be physically able to drive a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work.

Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

Work is performed in an environment where errors on their part can lead to significant physical or mental consequences for them or others.

All full‑time employees and their eligible dependents can participate on the first day of the first full month of employment. Employees must sign up for coverage within the first 30 days of employment or during the annual enrollment period. Coverage includes preventative care, prescription coverage, and health care services.

All full‑time employees and their eligible dependents can participate on the first day of the first full month of employment. Employees must sign up for coverage within the first 30 days of employment or during the annual enrollment period.

Basic Term life insurance equal to one times the annual salary is…