social worker iii-foster care

Job Summary

This advanced level professional social work position provides services in serious and complicated cases that require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills.

Duties

• Provides professional social services to Department of Social Services clients in assigned program(s), which may include child protective services, adult services, foster and adoption services.
• Manages assigned caseload; maintains accurate and complete case records; accurately records services provided.
• Assesses client needs; prepares, implements and monitors care plans, making changes when necessary.
• Refers clients to other department divisions and outside agencies for services as appropriate; assists clients in accessing needed services.
• Conducts home visits to perform initial assessment, monitor progress and ensure clients are receiving necessary care and/or assistance.
• Provides client transportation as needed.
• Attends staff meetings to discuss and coordinate cases; communicates with other professionals to coordinate client care.
• Conducts case audits.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding assigned programs and projects.
• Works on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on a rotating basis.
• Gathers information for and prepares various reports as required by the County and/or other agencies.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, typewriter, copier, telephone, calculator, etc.; uses clerical and computer supplies.
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, other County department heads and employees, clients and family members, other social service and health professionals, various outside social service / health agencies, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement personnel, school personnel, and the general public.
• Attends meetings, training, workshops, conferences, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs intake procedures.
• Processes applications for crisis intervention funding.
• Staffs emergency shelters as necessary.
• Performs general administrative/office work as required, including attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, copying and filing documents, reviewing correspondence, answering the telephone, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.

Foster Care Services

• Assists in the recruitment, training and licensing of foster care providers.
• Conducts home visits to assess home environments and monitor child welfare.
• Accomplishes placement of therapeutic diversion, temporary, emergency and supported family living; coordinates with intake staff the placement of children.
• Develops positive, trusting and age-appropriate relationships with children through visits, telephone calls and private conservation; provides information, assistance and counseling as required.
• Facilitates children's visits with siblings, parents and significant others according to the service plan.
• Assists and guides parents to regain the ability to parent their children.
• Coordinates child services with school personnel as necessary.
• Provides 24-hour on call support to care providers; provides crisis intervention when required.
• Coordinates community resources for the benefit of children served by the foster care program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Department of Social Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Social Worker III.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of social work, especially in the areas of adult and child protective services, adult home care, foster / adoptive services; is able to identify client needs and to develop and implement effective plans to help meet those needs.
• Thorough knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and basic mathematics.
• Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Thorough knowledge of terminology used in the profession; has considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; has considerable knowledge of the methods of case recording and report preparation.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding social services.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for word and data processing and records management.
• Knowledge of caseload management methods.
• Ability to work with colleagues to identify the needs of clients and to determine appropriate services; is able to monitor cases and the welfare of clients and to take action as needed to protect adults' / children's rights and well-being.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to react professionally and decisively in confrontational situations; is able to deal safely and appropriately with persons exhibiting anger and/or threatening behavior.
• Ability to advocate and promote practices of cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all daily interactions.
• Ability to develop, promote and practice teamwork in all activities.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, trusting, age-appropriate relationships with clients and others involved in the care of clients.
• Ability to plan and present informative educational presentations to clients and other individuals and organizations.
• Ability to assist in coordinating activities with other County departments, health / social service agencies, medical personnel, school personnel, etc., in order to accomplish goals.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with clients, personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.
• Ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Education and Experience Requirements

A Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work in an accredited college or university; or a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work in an accredited college or university and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); or a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work in an accredited college or university and one year of human services experience in the areas of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning; or a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in a counseling field and one year of social work or counseling experience; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field and two years of directly related experience; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience. Half credit will be given for years of experience in Income Maintenance Casework up to maximum of one year.

Special Requirements

• Possess valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Bladen County will employ only those individuals who are US citizens, or legal aliens authorized to maintain employment in the United States.

Benefits

Bladen County prides itself on having a competitive, productive workforce. For our full time employees Bladen County offers a wide range of benefits, including healthcare, supplemental plans and retirement programs and twelve paid holidays.

Health

We offer the NC State Health Plan Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Insurance. Employee has the option to elect to purchase 80/20 or 70/30 plan.

Voluntary Plans

Employees may choose from a variety of plans arranged through Sun Life. These include Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity plans, Dental, and Vision plans. In addition we offer Short-term disability and Probenefits FSA (Flex Spending Account).

Life Insurance

The County provides $10,000 Basic Life insurance for employees. An employee may choose to purchase additional voluntary term life insurance.

Retirement

We participate on the N.C. Local Government Employees' Retirement System. Employees are required to contribute 6% of gross wages toward their account.

401(k) and 457

are supplemental retirement plans administered by Prudential.

Vacation Leave

Employees accrue annual leave monthly and may use accrued leave upon approval after the probationary period is completed. Years of service transferred from eligible NC Governmental Agencies (written documentation required) and the employee's work schedule are used to determine the rate of earning.

Petty Leave

Employees earn fourteen (14) hours per calendar year. May use in increments of 15 minutes. Leave is pro-rated based as of date of hire in the first calendar year of employment. Petty leave must be used within the calendar year.

Longevity Pay

The County offers longevity pay to employees with five years of continuous service.