Social Worker IV; A&T-Child Protective Services

Position Summary

This is an advanced, professional level caseworker position providing protective, investigative, counseling and case management services for children who are at risk for neglect and/or abuse. The Social Worker will respond to crisis situations, investigate alleged neglect and abuse, substantiate reports according to federal and state guidelines, provide expert testimony in court hearings, and deliver follow‑up case management and preventive services.

The role includes analysis of situations, determining appropriate actions under stressful conditions, and may involve group, family or individual case management for clients of any age and any developmental, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial or family problem.

$62,763.00

• Investigate and assess allegations of neglect, abuse and dependency.
• Make case decisions for CPS reports based on DHHS policy with federal and state guidelines.
• Conduct face‑to‑face contacts with clients, including home visits, school visits, collateral contacts, and provide transportation as needed.
• Manage a caseload of clients, providing guidance, support and referrals.
• Assume custody of children when required and provide expert testimony in court hearings.
• Maintain current (within 7 days) narrative in cases.
• Complete required DHHS Child Welfare forms in a timely manner.
• Interact with other professionals professionally.
• Be flexible to meet unpredictable situations and hours of the job, including work beyond the typical 40‑hour week and on-call duty during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Submit required data collection forms and internal documentation (Daysheets, Executime, etc.) promptly.
• Perform other reasonable duties, such as working in an emergency shelter and assisting with emergency food and nutrition services.

• Considerable judgment in determining the occurrence and extent of abuse or neglect.
• Strong understanding of clients’ personalities based on assessments and interviews.
• Proficient in social work principles, techniques, and practices for complex casework, treatment, and investigation of child abuse or neglect.
• Thorough knowledge of Child Welfare policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral, or psychosocial problems.
• Resource knowledge to make appropriate referrals.
• Ability to interact and motivate others, including clients resistant to agency assistance.
• Skill in preparing documentation such as investigative reports for court and case records.
• Capability to testify in court and demonstrate advanced case management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to quickly assess risks and safety in various environments and make decisions about child removal with limited information.
• Effective communication skills to establish supportive relationships with community partners and clients.
• Capacity to work a flexible schedule to accommodate client needs.

• Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience.
• OR a Master’s degree in counseling and two years of social work or counseling experience.
• OR a four‑year degree in Human Services or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience.
• OR a four‑year college or university degree and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related Human Service field with experience in casework, group work or community organization.
• Work experience can be partially credited for completing the Social Work Collaborative.

• Work primarily in offices, but requires visits to homes, schools, health and mental health facilities, and other service agencies.
• Managing a caseload in complex cases, with possible contact with irate or violent clients, unsafe homes, or isolated areas where emergency services may be difficult to reach.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate client needs.
• Fast‑paced, unpredictable, and highly stressful environment that may cause emotional distress, but also rewarding and fulfilling through protective services to families.
• Ability to perform manual work, exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally or up to 10 pounds constantly.

Harnett County offers a comprehensive benefit package, including health, dental, vision and life insurance, membership in the North Carolina Local Government retirement system, free health clinic for employees and their households, and additional benefits. For more information about benefits, click here
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