CPS Social Worker

Catawba County Social Services is currently recruiting for CPS Social Workers.  Do you have the desire and ability to work in the fast paced, rewarding environment of Child Protective Services? We are looking for energetic persons who have a background in CPS and/or a commitment to a career in the CPS field.   In this position, you will continuously assess the safety and well-being of identified children, some who have been sexually or physically abused; or neglected. In addition, you will provide support and comprehensive family-centered, solution focused assessments and interventions that will strengthen a parent’s capacity to protect and nurture their children. Trainees, those with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, but not the required experience, may be considered.   Trainee salary is $46,438.84. RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Initial response to abuse, neglect and dependency reports on children
• Completion of thorough assessments and making immediate decisions regarding the safety of children
• Establish protection plans
• Apply crisis intervention techniques
• Provide services up front to assure the maximum safety of children, which could include court action
• Continuously assess the safety and well-being of identified children
• Will initiate a CPS assessment with approximately 10 new families each month

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative; or
• Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of directly related experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative and one year of directly related experience; or
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of directly related experience; or
• Four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum including 15 semester hours in courses related to social work or counseling and three years of directly related experience; or
• Graduation from a four-year college or university and four years of directly related experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• A valid Driver’s license with a safe driving record
• Flexibility and strong organizational skills to work under mandated time constraints, meeting the needs of vulnerable families who are in crisis as well as comply with all legal and agency standards
• Excellent time management with capacity to work independently
• Creative problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong verbal and written skills
• Effective knowledge of child welfare and social work philosophy and policy
• Commitment to outstanding customer service
• Ability to work with a variety of people, public agencies and professionals
• This is considered light work; lifting up to 20 pounds

PREFERENCES:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
• Direct social work experience in child welfare services or similar experiences
• Experience in interviewing caretakers, children, and other sources soliciting specific details of child maltreatment to obtain thorough and comprehensive assessment of alleged child maltreatment
• Persons with bilingual ability (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply