SW I/A&T – Foster Care

Description of Job Duties: The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate and deliver services to children for whom the agency has legal responsibility.  The Foster Care social worker works to achieve timely permanence for each child in the legal custody of the agency.  In order to do this, services must be delivered to families in an effort to reunite the family or seek other alternative permanent arrangements.  The permanent plan must be in the best interest of the child and based upon the parents’ adherence to the case plan developed to alleviate the safety issues. 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; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of directly related experience in case management, assessment  & referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning; or a four-year degree in a human service field and two years of directly related experience in case management, assessment & referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning; or graduation from a four-year college or university and three years of directly related experience in case management, assessment & referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. 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. Contact:     Applicants may apply on line at the Alamance County Website