Child Welfare CQI Social Worker Investigative, Assessment and Treatment - CPS

About us

The Department of Social Services Cherokee County, North Carolina, provides critical stabilizing and life saving services in Cherokee County, NC. We are agile, inclusive, and innovative. Our goal is to Serve the citizens of Cherokee County in such a manner that all citizens are safe, and all citizens thrive and grow. We offer a wide array of benefits such as Food and Nutrition, Energy, Medicaid, Adult Services, Child Protective Services, Adoptions, Foster Care, and Foster Parent recruitment and training, and Child Support services.

Our work environment includes:

• Modern office setting
• Growth opportunities
• Safe work environment
• On-the-job training
• Casual work attire
• Work-from-home days
• Flexible working hours

I. A. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The primary purpose of the Family and Children’s Services Division is to provide investigative, assessment and ongoing Child Protective Services to families, as well as, Foster Care, Foster Care Home/Adoptive Home Licensing and Adoption Services for children, with a primary focus on enhancing the welfare of the children in the county by promoting their physical safety and emotional, educational and social well-being. This is accomplished through coordination of services with other agencies, the court system, and by a cooperative effort with all DSS services including Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid, Work First and Child Support.

B. Primary Purpose of Position:

The primary function of this position is to plan, organize, and lead Continuous Quality Improvement activities and training programs primarily in CPS and In-Home Services. This position is responsible for planning and facilitating continuous quality improvement data and record reviews, aggregating data, presenting data, and facilitating quality improvement goal development and execution. Through the process of working with social workers in the CPS, In-home Treatment, Foster Care and Adoption units, the position will plan and organize quality improvement processes, track HB 360 data, and lead quality improvement meetings. This position will also provide on-going quality improvement training to target areas of improvement. The position will participate in DHHS regional land state CQI meetings as directed. In addition, the position will provide accurate presentations on trends and outcomes. This position will assist with case activities in-house and in the field as needed.

C. Work Schedule

Regular working hours for this position are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday with one hour for lunch. Some overtime at night, weekends and holidays, and flex time may be required to meet the requirements of the job and to meet families’ needs. This position is also required to staff Red Cross Shelters if disasters occur.

II. A. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILTIES AND DUTIES: Method Used:

Order of Importance Sequential Order

1. Continuous Quality Improvement

40% - Plans and directs continuous quality improvement activities, publishes reports, tracks improvement activities, and provides training on improvement areas. This position takes the lead in preparing records for state and federal audits and reviews. This position attends all introduction and exit audit meetings, and communicates the results to the Program Manager and Director. This position reports data and record review outcomes to the Program Manager and Director.

40% This position is responsible for providing child welfare program policy and field training with new social workers and social workers who need additional training to improve knowledge and skills in child welfare. This position takes the lead in child welfare case work as directed.

10% Assist with case activities in-house, in the field, in the field including nights and weekends as directed.

10% This position spends approximately 10% of time in administrative meetings and activities.

This position may revert to case carrying duties if necessary based on the needs of the DSS agency.

II. B. OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Accuracy Required in Work:

100% accuracy is required to ensure that child welfare services are delivered in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws and policies. Documentation of record and data reviews must be clear and organized.

2. Consequence of Error:

Errors could result in families and children being placed at risk and not receiving the services they need and for which they are entitled, a violation of confidentiality, the agency and county being placed in a liable situation, failure of the worker to develop a strong working relationship and develop rapport with families.

3. Instructions Provided to Employee:

Instruction is provided verbally by the direct supervisor and social workers; supervisory conferences; formal training; case staffing; written instruction such as service request forms or notes; State Division of Social Services policy manuals; and agency general operating procedure.

4. Guides, Regulations, Policies and References Used by Employee:

State Division of Social Services Manual policy, NC General Statues, agency general operating procedures, information provided by supervisor and social workers, and formal trainings.

5. Supervision Received by Employee:

This position is directly supervised by a Social Work Supervisor in the Family and Children’s Services Division; and indirectly by Social Workers as duties relate to work with specific families and children. The social worker provides feedback and consultation on the CFT Conference process, and on specific case information to social workers and supervisors. Supervisor is available for consultation with the worker and worker keeps supervisor informed of any problems or issues that arise.

6. Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts:

Frequent contacts in person, by telephone, by e-mail and other written correspondence with social workers, families, children, public agencies, and medical and mental health providers in order to coordinate, arrange, and facilitate CFT Conferences.

7. Physical Effort:

Driving an agency vehicle; prolonged periods of sitting, walking, crouching, lifting objects, climbing stairs, standing, and talking. Must have the physical capability to effectively use computer.

8. Work Environment and Conditions:

The facility is modern, updated and well equipped, and provides adequate work space and equipment for this position and offers appropriate climate control. Work in the field can involve working in extreme heat or cold, unsanitary conditions, exposure to individuals that may have communicable diseases or other medical issues, exposure to cats, dogs, and other domestic animals.

9. Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment, and Materials Used:

Calculator, computer, terminals, printers, imaging equipment, telephone, copy machine, answering machine, FAX machine. Use of a motor vehicle.

10. Visual Attention, Mental Concentration, and Manipulative Skills:

Observational skills and the ability to access information obtained are required. Worker must have organizational skills, as well as, the ability to concentrate on work related tasks. Must be able to interpret and apply manual policy, as well as, written and verbal instruction; the ability to handle hostile individuals; and the ability to access danger to self when working with families.

11. Safety for Others:

Worker must be alert to any pending danger for clients and self while working directly with clients in and outside of the office. Must safeguard confidentiality at all times. Worker must participate on the agency Safety Committee.

12. Dynamics of Work:

Worker must have the ability to interact and develop a rapport with a variety of individuals Including agency staff, other community professionals, and families. The ability to adapt to change and flexibility is required.

III. A. KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

1. Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; Master's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience; Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience.

2. Excellent written verbal and communication skills and experiences in working with children and families in crisis and/or conflict, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency consumers and their families, as well as, civic, legal, medical, social and/or religious organizations; ability to neutral negotiation skills in meetings comprised families who may be in conflict, and an array of service providers, an ability to handle volatile situations and discover common ground for dialog. Knowledge of the CPS and MRS policies and practice is required.

3. Ability to use correct spelling, punctuation and specialized vocabulary; ability to proofread; general knowledge of services provided by the agency and community resources; knowledge of all agency policies; ability to assume responsibility for highly confidential materials and paperwork; ability to work independently and prioritize work; ability to perform functions within allotted time frame; and ability to interact with consumers, other professionals, and the general public in a courteous, non-judgmental and professional manner.

4. Basic knowledge of the social, economic and environmental conditions of families to be served; working knowledge of basic household tasks and management functions and ability to teach others; working knowledge, and ability to enlist aid, of available community resources; ability to establish rapport and relate to population served and a variety of service disciplines and community businesses and agencies; ability to exercise good judgment in appraising situations; and ability to verbally communicate findings. Valid driver’s license, good driving record and own transportation is a requirement for this position.

B. 1. Required Minimum Training:

Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; Master's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience; Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience. This worker is required to successfully all DHHS/DSS required training as well as all training as directed by the DSS director.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be subject to change based on the specific needs of the organization.

A state application (Form PD-107) must be submitted to the Administrative Officer, Brandy Clonts. The Department of Social Services is located at 4800 W US Highway 64, Murphy, NC 28906. All applications will be screened for education and work experience in order to determine the best qualified applicant for the vacant position. Reference checks will be conducted on the top candidate(s).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,316.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,316