Performs responsible work investigating reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children from birth to 18 years.

This is a part-time position, with hours that could include nights weekends up to 19 per week.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class is responsible investigating reports of abuse, neglect, dependency and exploitation of children from birth to 18 years; assesses risk and provides protection for children.  Work is performed under the regular supervision of the SW Supervisor III.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Receives reports of child maltreatment according to State policies and assesses/investigates report.
• Interviews all household members and obtains collateral information.
• Makes home visits to asses for safety.
• Provides appropriate referrals for treatment and/or other services.
• Initiates cases within State mandated time frames.
• Refers to CFE, CME and CAC interviews as needed.
• Makes decisions regarding the immediate safety of the children; arranges alternate placements if necessary.
• Visits daycares, hospitals, schools and etc.
• Involves law enforcement as needed.
• Engages families to identify strengths and needs.
• Analyzes/ interprets reports from other agencies to assess child safety and well being.
• Assesses whether substance abuse is a problem in the household.
• Assesses for any future risk of harm.
• Provides in-home services to the family to reduce risk to the children.
• Identifies goals and creates a case plan with the family.
• Makes referrals to community resources as appropriate.
• Provides education to parents.
• Acts as a advocate for the family.
• Reassesses risk throughout the life of the case.
• Motivate families to change.
• Mediates problem solving.
• Locates and engages absent parents.
• Documents and enters information into One Case of all case contacts and details.
• Completes various forms and checklists.
• Meets with supervisor for routine conferences of progress of duties/assignments and any concerns that arise.
• Consults with the supervisor regarding cases as needed; makes joint decision regarding cases.
• Responds to subpoena as required.
• Staff cases with the assistant county attorney and Foster Care prior to removal.
• Writes attachments to the court petition.
• Prepares court documents and reports for all hearings.
• Provides a list of witnesses for subpoena.
• Determines safe, appropriate placements for children.
• Obtains names of and background checks on potential caretakers.
• Testifies in court.
• Removes children and transports to foster care placements.
• Obtains medical and educational histories of the children.
• Adheres to county, state and federal rules, policies and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned, such as shelter duty or supporting the work of other teams or workers.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, State and Federal child welfare laws.
• Knowledgeable of family dynamics.
• Knowledgeable of child development.
• Must have excellent interviewing skills.
• Ability to discuss allegation and issues in a non-threatening manner.
• Ability to make decisions in stressful conditions.
• Must have excellent observation skills.
• Ability to discern truth from un-truth.
• Must have good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to set aside personal biases while making important observations/decisions.
• Ability to document in writing the issues and events in a case for possible review by court personnel and CPS staff so that others can clearly understand what occurred and why certain decisions were made.
• Ability to understand a situation with both intuitive and analytical perception.
• Ability to work after hours in order to respond to emergencies which include cases of severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and fatalities.
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Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Worker performs light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Worker is required to have close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform accounting, work on a computer terminal and perform extensive reading.
• The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside.
• Worker is subject to extreme cold: Temperatures below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour.
• Worker is subject to extreme heat: Temperatures above 100 degrees for period of more than one hour.
• Worker is subject to atmospheric conditions: One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin:  fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation.
• The worker is in contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids during the performance of his/her duties.
• Consequence of error could result in death or serious bodily injury.

Education 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.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Driver License.