Social Worker IV

Overview

The primary purpose of this position is to provide specialized services for maltreated children; abused, neglected, and or dependent, to ensure the minimum sufficient level of safety, wellbeing, and permanency is achieved.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may be requested by contacting Pender County Human Resources.

• Conduct intake activities, by gathering information via direct/indirect contacts to determine whether the report meets the statutory guidelines for maltreatment. Document information obtained from reporter in a clear, concise, thorough, and understandable manner.
• Complete state system checks to assess family dynamics and needs.
• Investigate and assess alleged child abuse, neglect, and dependency within policy guidelines.
• Visit clients in their residence to assess suitability of living conditions and capabilities.
• Evaluate the presence and level of risk to the client; make decision to remove the client from unsuitable living conditions, according to legal guidelines and restrictions.

• Prepare extensive court reports and associated legal documents; testify in court; assist attorneys in the preparation of court actions; coordinate service of subpoenas; respond to inquiries regarding court actions.
• Transport children to protective facilities, appearances in court, scheduled appointments or visitation, and for other authorized purposes.
• Interpret policies, rules, and regulations to clients, applicants, and other involved parties.
• Develop case/safety plans with families served, that build on strengths and provides clear direction and guidance for changing conditions that contributed to the risk of maltreatment.
• Provide ongoing case management and evaluation to include documenting all relevant information and completing of all required forms.
• Deliver and coordinate the delivery of services through direct interventions and appropriate client referrals to community agencies to include law enforcement as required/deemed necessary.
• Provide courtesy assistance for other agencies as requested.
• Complete electronic day sheets as required to reflect time and service duties.
• Evaluate the family’s progress toward reduction or elimination of risk of future maltreatment.
• Determine whether the risk of maltreatment has been reduced sufficiently to terminate services.
• Assist with crisis intervention by performing emergency assessments and requesting necessary protective services.
• Prepare for and participate in all required child/family team meetings.
• Participate in staff development programs and continuing education activities by attending trainings, workshops, and seminars to increase technical competence.
• Participate in community planning for the protection and care of children, and to identify potentially harmful influences on children.
• Perform other job-related duties as required.

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…