Social Worker III - Visitation Center Therapeutic Clinician

Gaston Social Services: Protecting, caring for and empowering children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administrating of federal, state and county programs focused on improving the well-being of our citizens.


THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Address emotional and psychological needs through supportive interventions. Tailor activities to meet developmental levels and interests, fostering a sense of stability and trust. Implement trauma-informed care approaches that recognize the impact of trauma on development.
• Utilize Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help children process trauma in a safe environment. Utilize Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to engage parents in direct coaching that enhances parent-child interactions and strengthens the bond. Facilitate play therapy sessions to allow children to express feelings non-verbally and cope with trauma. Teach both children and parents coping strategies to reduce anxiety and stress. Provide crisis intervention services for families, as needed.
• Develop clear structured visitation that includes scheduled activities, allowing for both guided interaction, and free play. Provide access to supportive resources or professionals if children exhibit signs of distress during visits. Maintain an active and constant presence during the entire visitation process, which includes accompanying children to the restroom. Observe parent-child interactions closely, recognizing patterns of behavior that require intervention or support. Offer real-time feedback to parents, modeling positive parenting techniques, and promoting effective communication.  
• Ensure clients are provided group therapy sessions, peer support, and educational resources to build supports, coping strategies, resilience, and social skills. Ensure children will receive educational support such as tutoring to address any learning difficulties.  
• Track behavioral changes and emotional responses during visits to identify any triggers related to trauma. Assist families in adapting to new structures, including foster care dynamics or reunification efforts while ensuring child safety. Provide families with tools and strategies to manage difficult emotions during transitions.
• Maintain comprehensive records of each therapy session, noting outcomes and parent-child interactions. Prepare reports that summarize progress for social workers and case managers, highlighting success and areas needing improvement. Participate actively in case staffings to discuss cases, contribute insights, and collaborate on strategies for family reunification.
• Document the number of cases that have been successfully concluded, indicating positive outcomes for the child and family. Track the total number of children who have received therapy services. Provide statistics on the number of children who have been reunited with their families, indicating the effectiveness of interventions.
• Complete any additional tasks as assigned that support the overall mission of ensuring child safety and promoting family integrity.

1. Master's Degree from an accredited school of social work and 2 years of experience providing social work services to children and/or families, including 1 year providing trauma-informed services; strong trauma-informed care knowledge; LCSW or LCSWA in good standing with NC Social Work Licensing and Certification Board; OR 
2. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited school of social work and 3 years of social work experience; OR a Master's Degree in a counseling field and 3 years of social work or counseling experience; OR  
3. Four year degree in a human service field or related curriculum including at least fifteen semester hours in courses related to social worker or counseling and 4 years of social worker or counseling; OR  
4. Graduation from a four year college or university and 5 years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related human services field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work or community organization.

An equivalent combination of training and experience.  A valid driver's license is required.

A copy of a transcript must be included with the application. Failure to include a copy of your transcripts may result in your application being rejected.The applicant selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.

Salary : $24 - $40