Social Worker I/A&T

Work Type
Family and Children’s Services

Closing Date
December 15, 2021
Posted November 30, 2021


Agency Name
Alamance County Social Services

Work County
Alamance

Job Location
319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road
BURLINGTON
North Carolina
27217
Job Description

Primary Purpose of PositionProtective Services for Children are legally mandated social services provided to children and their parents or other caretakers in response to instances of actual or suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.  An essential function of this position requires operating a County vehicle in the performance of work. The primary elements of Protective Services consist of identifying children at risk; evaluating the degree and severity of damage or risk to the child; cooperating with law enforcement agencies as required to obtain suitable care and services for children in or out of their own homes and initiating court action where necessary; counseling and planning with the child’s family toward the solution and prevention of problems causing abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and, arranging for the provision of, and assisting families in utilizing appropriate services and community resources, such as foster care, day care, health and mental health services, homemaker services, etc., as needed. Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities:  Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect of children; thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law; thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory. Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community. Ability to interact and motivate a resistant involuntary client population and the public who may not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs; ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans; ability to testify as an expert witness; ability to employ advanced case management interview techniques to establish a supportive relationship and involve families in the initial assessment for the need of services; ability to quickly assess the risks and safety of the client environment during daylight hours, after dark and in high crime areas; ability to employ expert negotiation skills in the most complex cases; ability to analyze and assess child development safety issues in relation to risk factors; ability to analyze tense family situations and make decisions about removing children when the decision has to be made with limited direct information and limited access to consultation; ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive client relationships. Ability to perform manual work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Minimum Training and Experience Requirements: Master's degree from an accredited school of social work (Child Welfare Collaborative),  Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; a bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social  work (Child Welfare Collaborative) plus one year social work or counseling experience ;  or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or Master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; or a four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience; or graduation from a four-year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling or a related human service field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.  All DSS positions are subject to reallocation contingent upon funding, agency needs and client population and are subject to perform work during emergency or disaster situations as required and may be required to staff shelter overnight. A COPY OF A CERTIFIED COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT AND A LETTER OF REFERENCE  MUST BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST.
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