Sr. Social Worker; Adoptions

General Statement of Duties

Forsyth County Department of Social Services, an innovative organization with a long history of providing superb services, is recruiting a highly motivated individual to fill an Adoption Social Worker role.

The Adoption Social Worker will recruit, assess, train, select, and match foster/adoptive families for children in care; prepare children and families for the transition into foster/adoptive homes; and provide support to children and families in finalizing adoptions.

• This position requires independent decision-making, assessment skills, professional judgment, intercommunity collaboration, and knowledge of local resources.
• The person in this role must be able to effectively communicate with a variety of persons from varying socioeconomic backgrounds and a variety of mental capabilities.
• The ideal candidate will be familiar with Forsyth County community resources.
• This position also requires understanding and the ability to correctly utilize all Federal, State, and local laws, policies and procedures that relate to permanency planning and adoption.
• Adoption Social Workers complete the majority of their duties and assessments in clients' homes, courtrooms, schools, and other community venues.
• The typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.
  
  - 5:00 p.m. Duties may include responding to after hours crises. Driving of county vehicles is a requirement of this position.

• Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; or
• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); or
• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; or
• Master's degree in counseling in a human services field and one year of social work or counseling; or
• Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; or
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience (Department of Social Services).

TIPS-MAPP certification preferred.

A valid driver’s license essential to the functions of this position, as regular travel outside of the office is fundamental to the daily work.

This position has been identified to interact with children and must comply with NC G.S. 153A-94.2(b) “requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI.” These checks must be conducted in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, the statute which authorizes the SBI to provide a fingerprint‑based state and national criminal record check to cities and counties.

• Essential functions include but are not limited to coordinating placement of foster children.
• Supports and counsels families throughout the adoption process and assists with the ongoing development and management of adoption services.
• Provide recruitment, training, supervision, and assistance to the family throughout the legal steps involved to ensure a successful adoption.
• The successful candidate must have strong written and oral communication skills including active listening and interviewing as well as the ability to organize, multi‑task, and prioritize.
• Have the ability to reason, make critical judgments.
• Complete legal documents required to facilitate the adoption process is needed.
• Adoption Social Workers must visit the children in their caseload in the child’s home setting monthly.
• Attend school‑based meetings routinely.
• Attend court hearings regularly.
• Attend community‑based meetings regularly.
• Respond to emergency situations quickly.