Social Worker IV - Investigations

Overview

Job Title:

Social Worker IV - Investigations

Department:
Health and Human Services

External Hiring Range: $31.57-$36.86 per hour

Investigators and Assessors determine the validity and severity of child abuse or neglect reports. They ensure that children and families in crisis receive the services they need to address identified issues. Buncombe County is seeking fast-paced, passionate, and engaging human services professionals to join the Social Work Department in Buncombe County, NC. The posting is for ongoing recruitment for the Social Work Investigations division.

This position may be hired as a fully-qualified Social Worker IV or as a Social Worker IV Trainee depending on qualifications.

• Assess the risk and safety of children in response to actual or suspected child neglect, abuse, or dependency by conducting thorough investigations of the home, school, and other locations or persons involved. This may require use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
• Develop and monitor service plans with families involved in Child Protective Services and provide or refer services as needed. Make court recommendations, including services needed, progress, and barriers to a permanent plan.
• Provide direct services to children and their parents/caretakers to conduct timely and comprehensive assessments to determine if abuse/neglect/dependency exists and provide ongoing interventions if warranted.
• Ensure safety planning for children in compliance with state and federal statutes and policies. If children cannot remain safely in their home, pursue a petition to the court and/or non-secure custody.
• Assess, support, supervise, and counsel families to ensure child safety, wellbeing, and permanence. Evaluate information to determine the appropriateness of intervention and level of services required.
• Prepare legal documents, court reports, and court testimony when warranted, ensuring documentation is completed in a timely and compliant manner.
• Provide transportation to families as needed to access services addressing safety and wellbeing issues.
• Advise clients of the Department’s mandated responsibilities, policies, procedures, and clients’ rights.
• Establish rapport with children, families, and professionals in the community to employ a strengths-based, family-centered approach.
• Coordinate goal-directed visitation with birth family in accordance with court orders and service agreements.
• Develop and/or participate in Child and Family Team to ensure collaborative service planning and case coordination among providers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Investigative Social Worker Trainee
  
  Minimum Education , Training and/or
  
  Experience:
  
  Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Human Services, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Investigative Social Worker
  
  Minimum Education , Training and/or
  
  Experience:
  
  Master’s degree in social work and one year of social work experience; or Bachelor’s degree in social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or equivalent combinations as specified by the county.
• English/Spanish bi-lingual speakers preferred.
• A current, valid North Carolina driver’s license.

• Ability to identify and assess risks and needs in stressful situations and de-escalate when needed.
• Knowledge of medical, behavioral, and socio-economic problems and their treatment.
• Knowledge of funding sources and how to utilize them.
• Knowledge of criminal justice procedures, mental disorders, family systems dynamics, cultural differences, and related laws.
• Strong interpersonal and counseling skills for interviewing and working with families.
• Thorough knowledge of social work principles and applicable regulations and resources related to protective services for children.

• Salary non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees; compensation based on education and experience above minimum requirements.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and paid time off; retirement plans with County contributions.
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy with protections for all federal and state recognized classes.

Transcripts are required to be submitted with your application. Some benefits and leave policies described are those currently offered and may be subject to change. This posting is for ongoing recruitment for the Social Work Investigations division.