Social Worker II

Primary Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to provide direct social work services to children, adolescents, and families. The services are mandated and essential as stated by federal, state, and county policy. Home study services (including Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Inter-county home studies, and agency home studies) and adoption services (including Pre-Placement Assessments) are provided when necessary to maintain permanent placements for children.

The social worker gathers pertinent information to determine placement suitability and provides ongoing monitoring of children for other social service agencies once placement is made. The worker is responsible for determining an adoptive child’s special needs eligibility for Adoption Assistance and for providing foster care intake services, including determining eligibility for federal or state funds and collecting required information from families in agency custody.

Child Protective Services intake includes receiving and documenting suspected child abuse, providing education on child abuse, and referring families to community agencies. LINKS services assist teenagers in foster care and young adults in acquiring independent living skills and community connections.

The Child and Family Intake Social Worker completes thorough assessments of children, youth, and families related to placement and adoption suitability, and develops service plans. The worker conducts monitoring visits of placements through ICPC and coordinates Transitional Living Plans for youth in foster care. The worker provides back-up CPS intake duties, documents referrals, and assists in disaster relief efforts, including shelter duty during emergencies.

The position may perform other duties as assigned by supervisors and administrators.

Assessment and Evaluation:
The worker completes the Casey Life Skills Inventory for LINKS youth and interprets results to determine strengths and needs. The worker collaborates with youth to identify problem areas and resources. The worker completes the 5120 Foster Care Eligibility Form to determine foster care eligibility for IV-E status. The worker interviews families, gathers information, and writes comprehensive assessments for adoptive and relative placement homes.

Service Planning and Coordination:
The worker implements plans, manages interstate, inter-county, and adoption assistance cases, and assists families with service team meetings. The worker develops identified goals for youth and coordinates CARS for youth transitioning at age 18.

Counseling:
The worker conducts face‑to‑face interviews, builds rapport, assists clients in clarifying issues, and introduces decision‑making strategies and alternatives. The worker sets service goals and time limits with clients.

Training:
The worker may provide in‑home parenting education and assist current and former foster care youth with developing independent living skills on topics such as budgeting, job skills, and housing. Training occurs in one‑on‑one or peer group settings.

Monitoring/Maintenance:
The worker monitors children placed with relatives through ICPC, completes quarterly reviews, maintains records, and determines eligibility for Adoption Assistance vendor payments. The worker renews eligibility yearly.

Consultation:
The worker consults with staff on programs and services, determines appropriateness of referrals, and provides information on available services in the county.

Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited institution. Other combinations of education and experience, including one year of directly related experience and two years of directly related experience, are acceptable. BSW degrees are preferred. Directly related experience includes case management, assessment, referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho‑social therapy, and treatment planning.

Subject to SBI criminal history record check prior to hire. Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license; restrictions must not prohibit essential functions.

Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance and AD&D, Disability Insurance, North Carolina Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System, NC401k, Annual Leave (10 days per year for less than two years of service, increasing with years of service), Sick Leave (3.69 hours per pay period), Paid Holidays, Longevity, Merit Program, Supplemental Benefits. Employee benefits are subject to change or may be contingent upon funding availability.