Social Worker I/A&T

Primary Purpose of Position: The primary purpose of the protective services intake and assessment position is to screen reports of alleged abuse, neglect and dependency, investigate and assess the child's need for protective services, insure the child and family receives needed protective services and other agency or community resources and to educate the community with regards to responsibilities of reporting abuse and neglect through public speaking, being a community liaison and/or consultation.  The position also provides backup to the Child Protective Services Intake position by covering lunch times, leaves, etc., on a rotating basis with other Social Workers assigned intake and assessment responsibilities. Refer to the agency's organizational chart. Knowledge, Skills & 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: 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 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.