Social Worker IA&T - CPS In-Home Services Unit

Salary : $56,042.00 Annually

Location : Nashville, NC

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 2023-00122

Department : Department of Social Services

Opening Date : 12 / 31 / 2023

Closing Date : Continuous

General Statement of Duties

• CPS In-Home Services Unit;

Prefer current training status with Child Welfare in NC; Prefer experience working in Child Protective Services, court studies and testimonies; Requires exceptional verbal and writing skills.

A. Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Child Protective Services In-Home Services Unit's primary purpose is to execute the agency's legal mandate to serve families in which abuse, neglect or dependency has been substantiated or found In Need of Services. Work in this unit entails :

l. Counseling and planning with the child's family intended to strengthen the ability of families to protect and care for their own children, to minimize harm to children and youth, and to ensure permanence in children's lives.

2. Arranging for provision of and assisting families in utilizing appropriate services and community resources.

3. Obtaining the cooperation of law enforcement agencies as required obtaining suitable care and services for the children in or out of their family origin

4. Initiation of court action when necessary.

B. Primary Purpose of the Position

This agency is mandated to provide services to children who have been identified as neglected, abused, or dependent. The primary purpose of the Child Protective Services In-Home Social Worker, Investigations, Assessment and Treatment, (SW IA&T) is to execute this mandate. This is an advanced, professional level casework position, providing counseling and case management services for children who are identified as neglected and / or abused or dependent. This is done so by assessing family situations to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the family system and to evaluate the level of risk the child may face in the home. The social worker also provides other services to families with children under the age of 18 years who have requested such services from the agency in conjunction with protective services. Treatment and immediate responses will be provided to crisis situations for at risk children in the most complex and hostile of cases.

C. Work Schedule

Regular working hours are from 8 : 00 a.m. until 5 : 00 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, in order to make the mandated number of face-to-face contacts in some situations, clients may need contact after hours and overtime may be required. Employees are given the option of flexing their workday to accommodate their clients' schedule without putting the social worker in an overtime situation. Employee serves on a rotation basis for periodic radio coverage. 2

D. Change in Responsibilities or Organizational Relationship

None

Essential Duties and Tasks

Following is a description of responsibilities and duties of this position listed in order of importance. All responsibilities and duties are essential to the effective performance of an In-Home Services SW IA&T.

A. Intervention developed

The In-Home Services SW IA&T is responsible for reviewing the case and becoming familiar with the family dynamics, identified problems and strengths of the family. Utilizing the Child and Family Team process, a Family Services Agreement is devised jointly with the family based on the Risk Assessment and Initial Case Plan. The Family Services Agreement contains objectives that are measurable, time limited, describe specific desired outcomes and identify necessary behavior changes. Identified needs, objectives and activities are directed toward alleviating the problems that lead to the abuse, neglect or dependency and addressing underlying issues that may contribute to the need for protective services. Once the case plan is devised, the helping process is defined.

B. Providing / arranging for counseling or supportive services

The In-Home Services SW IA&T provides counseling to the client directed toward the development and utilization of family support systems including recognition of development and utilization of strengths, overcoming personal, social, and environmental barriers, and utilizing agency and community resources. The worker seeks community resources to assist the client in attaining their goals.

C. Monitoring and assessment

The In-Home Services SW IA&T must monitor the Family Services Agreement and complete a Risk Assessment at various intervals in all neglect, abuse and / or dependency cases requiring continued mandated services. After a Family Services Agreement is negotiated, ongoing monitoring and assessment is necessary to determine if the plan continues to be appropriate and that the plan of intervention continues to address the identified needs of the parent and children. This monitoring includes regular interviews with the client in the home and requires collateral contact with other public agencies such as mental health, medical professionals, day care providers, health department personnel, and relatives and friends of the client. Updating the Family Services Agreement is necessary when changes in the family occur and it becomes necessary to revise the plan in order to implement an appropriate plan of protection for the child. Court action is used in the event the client does not meet the objective and the safety of the child is at risk. It is the worker's responsibility to provide the supervisor with a factual assessment in order for the joint decision to be made regarding court action. Prior to court action, the worker must complete the Risk Assessment, which indicates the risk and / or harm to the child by remaining in the home.

D. Use of the court and court preparation

Court activity is very much a part of the Social Worker's duties. Prior to the decision for court intervention or in the case of an emergency, immediately after obtaining a non-secure custody order, the worker will present her case to the Child and Family Team which makes recommendations as to alternatives to court or the children entering into agency custody. In the event that out of home placement is necessary or, to ensure permanence in a child's life, the Social Worker initiates court action through a non-secure custody order and / or petition, assesses placement options (relatives or foster care) and conjointly with the foster care worker develops an appropriate plan for the child. The worker prepares the child and family for separation, placement and the court process. The worker prepares a written assessment for the court, solicits witnesses when necessary, shares information with the child's Guardian ad Litem and testifies in court making the agency's recommendation. The worker must also follow up with written reports for court review as ordered or required. The worker may conduct an investigation of suspected abuse and when evidence of abuse is found the worker is required to report such information to the District Attorney and law enforcement within a specified time frame both verbally and also in writing. Law enforcement and the Case Manager interview the victim and perpetrator. Should the perpetrator be prosecuted, the worker may be a witness during court proceedings. Social Workers may be subpoenaed to testify in both civil and criminal proceedings due to their involvement with their clients.

E. Monitoring, reviewing, maintaining

The In-Home Services SW IA&T is responsible for monitoring, reviewing, and maintaining cases through various means. This is accomplished through frequent contact with the client by visiting them in their home, interviews in the agency and telephone contact, collateral contacts and in some situations periodic court reviews. Both face to face and collateral contacts are made monthly according to state standard. The Social Worker formally assesses the client's progress by updating and re-signing the Family Services Agreement on a quarterly basis and whenever there is a major change in the family, reassesses the risk to the child(ren) by completing the Risk Assessment form. These reviews assess the progress of the client in alleviating the factors that lead to the abuse, neglect or dependency and whether the client has been able to demonstrate they can provide a safe environment for their child (ren). Further services may be identified at this time. The Social Worker is required to present cases in the agency's foster care review team when a child comes into agency custody. This team closely monitors those children whose custody has been removed from his parents or whose custody has been placed with the Department of Social Services.

F. Interpretation of Child Protective Services

The In-Home Services SW IA&T is a member of the agency's public forum and occasion-ally is called on to speak at meetings of community agencies and organizations in an effort to emphasize the preventive nature of the agency's services and to familiarize the commu-nity with the reporting laws. The worker assists in providing information to other agencies and local citizens to better help them understand the functions of the agency. This allows for better rapport that leads to better delivery of services and cooperation from other disciplines.

G. Employee will participate in disaster related programs, including shelter duty, as needed.

H. Other duties as assigned and required.

I. In all duties outlined above, all forms of documentation required by the North Carolina Division of Social Services, North Carolina General Statutes, and Nash County Department of Social Services is included.

J. Obtain at least 24 hours of training annually, after an initial training of 72 hours before assuming case responsibility.

Other Position Characteristics

A. Accuracy required in work

Great precision is required in this work. The worker must correctly gather information to determine whether or not referrals meet the neglect / abuse laws; investigate each case according to standards to determine if neglect / abuse exists; correctly assess a child's safety needs; and continually assess a family during intervention to assist in alleviating problems which led to neglect / abuse. The worker must be able to meet state standards and assure compliance with CPS policy and best practice. Documentation, time reports, day sheets, and other state and county forms must be completed accurately and timely.

B. Consequence of error

Initial assessments, investigations, and case management decisions directly affect the safety of children. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation or reports may affect agency funding negatively and may lead to sanctions against the agency.

C. Instructions provided to employee

Instructions are provided in written and oral form by the supervisor through scheduled conferences, at agency staff meetings, and in workshops and professional training sessions attended by the employee. In addition, weeknights, weekends and holidays, a consultant is always available to assist as a second party decision-maker during all phases of CPS intake and initiation, in all child placement responsibility decisions, and in all other situations when a second party is needed.

D. Guides, regulations, policies and references used by employee

Volume l, Children's Service Manual

Service Information System Manual

North Carolina General Statutes applicable to Child Protective Services and Foster Care

Social Work Code of Ethics

County and Agency Personnel Handbooks

Instructions from Director, Assistant Director, Program Administrator, and Supervisor and On-Call consultants

E. Supervision received by the employee

Employee receives review through scheduled conferences, meetings, informal interaction, reports, and an annual performance appraisal. Review for timeliness, quality, and accuracy is also received through periodic random case reviews by the supervisor, Children's Program Representatives and the CFSR Review by State staff

F. Variety and purpose of personal contacts

Employee has contact with Unit staff, other units within the agency, clients, Health Department, other social services departments, Guardian Ad Litem Program, Mental Health, medical personnel, crisis organizations, churches, civic organizations, judicial system, law enforcement, Emergency Services personnel, and the general public. Contacts are often used as a means to assist in planning and / or meeting the needs of clients as a part of the human delivery system and to aid in assessing client's current situation.

G. Physical efforts

Employee must be able to move within and without the agency, climb stairs, and use office equipment described in #9 below on a frequent basis. Employee occasionally lifts small children, camera, suitcases, toys, car seats, etc. in performance of duties. Employee must travel to meetings within the county as well as workshops and meetings out of the county. Overnight stays are sometimes necessary.

H. Work environment and conditions

Work is performed in a county social service agency with contacts in the field. Employee encounters hostile clients, some of whom are dangerous. Clients include mental patients, alcoholics, and substance abusers who are sometimes verbally abusive and threatening. Field contacts are sometimes required even in adverse weather conditions such as snow, sleet, extreme heat and natural disasters. Employee is exposed to infectious diseases such as scabies, head lice, flu, AIDS, etc. All staff are aware of precautions to take when such events occur. All staff are also trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

I. Machines, tools, instruments, equipment and materials used

Employee uses agency computer, printer, copier, calculator, camera, automobile, telephone, cell phone, car seat and iPad in order to perform duties. When conducting investigations, employee sometimes finds it necessary to use anatomically correct dolls. Employee must have immediate access to a vehicle to perform essential functions of the job.

J. Visual attention, mental concentration and manipulation skills

Close visual attention is required when operating a motor vehicle. Intake, investigations, and case management duties all require visual attention and mental concentration. Body language, eye contact, and behavior of family members assist the social worker in assessing the family situation and must be viewed carefully. Preparation of court reports, development of protection plans, and completion of risk assessments require very intense mental concentration, as does reviewing placement options for children. The social worker must carefully document times, dates, and other factual information so that accurate assessments and recommendations are made. Employee must have physical dexterity required to successfully and efficiently operate machinery and tools outlined in I above.

K. Safety for others

Employee makes decisions daily that affect the lives of clients and continuously assesses the safety of children and the environment of our clients. Employee devises protection plans, Family Services Case Plans and completes risk assessments. Employee also makes recommendations regarding the removal of children when homes are not safe and the return of children when homes are safe. Employee must carefully evaluate the needs of children in placement responsibility and their caregivers to determine the best plans for children. Social Worker abides by confidentiality guidelines to protect clients and uses caution when operating a motor vehicle when transporting clients. See H above for issues confronting the employee and for precautions.

L. Dynamics of work

Child Protective Services and Placement Services are periodically affected by changes in methodology, guidelines, legislation, and shifting program emphasis.

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

1. Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to complex casework and community problems in order to effectively work with the wide cross section of clients and their presenting problems.

Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work or counseling experience; or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or a Master's degree in a counseling 8

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 the experience in the techniques of casework, group work, or community organization.

One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.

None

D. License or Certification Required

l. Minimum North Carolina automobile liability insurance.

2. Valid North Carolina driver's license is required.

3. Must have reliable vehicle available for work always available.

2. Considerable knowledge of family and group dynamics and a range of intervention techniques.

3. Considerable knowledge of developmental stages and tasks, human behavior and social economic problems and their treatment as the worker is responsible for identifying children who are abused, neglected, or dependent, assessing the contributory factors and making recommendations for solutions to the identified problems.

4. Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and other resources within the community.

5. Considerable knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies which govern Child Protective Services.

6. General knowledge of methods and principles of casework supervision and training.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, associates, administrative superiors, social medical, legal, civic and religious organizations.

8. Ability to supervise, train or orient lower-level employees, students, or interns.

9. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely-orally and in writing.

10. Ability to plan and execute work effectively and meet deadlines.

11. Ability to operate an automobile.

12. Ability to use a personal computer and access the State Network.

13. Ability to effectively function under stress and to deal with conflict situations and hostile personalities.

14. Ability to function with a high level of autonomy.

15. Ability to function cooperatively with members of a team.

16. Ability to accept constructive criticism.

17. Ability to refrain from causing or contributing to disruptions or hostility in the workplace.

18. Ability to make thorough assessments through intense observation skills, interviews and social work practice and be able to accurately orally and in writing communicate the process and results of the assessment.

Desirable Education and Experience

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work or counseling experience; or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or a 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 the experience in the techniques of casework, group work, or community organization.

One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.

License or Certification Required

l. Minimum North Carolina automobile liability insurance.

2. Valid North Carolina driver's license is required.

3. Must have reliable vehicle available for work always available.

INSURANCE PROGRAMS

Group Health Insurance

Nash County provides full time and part-time benefit eligible employees working 30 plus hours per week with Health Insurance coverage with the North Carolina State Health Plan

Included in each selection is :

Health Insurance may become effective for employees the first day of the month following employment.

Group Dental Insurance

Nash County provides full-time and part-time regular employees working 30 plus hours per week. Dental Insurance becomes effective for employees the first day of the month following the 30th day of employment.

Group Life Insurance

Nash County provides term Life Insurance for full-time and part-time regular employees working 30 or more hours per week.

Life insurance is paid for you by Nash County and pays your beneficiary one time your annual salary not to exceed $200,000 in the event of your death. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is also provided.

Life Insurance becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Voluntary supplemental term life insurance coverage for you, your spouse or your dependent children is also available - please see the Human Resources Department for more details.

Short Term Disability Insurance

Nash County provides active full-time regular employees working 30 plus hours per week the option to purchase Short Term Disability Insurance.

Short Term Disability Insurance may cover up to 70% of an employee's monthly salary with a maximum of $2,000 per month, in the event of an injury or illness, for up to 13 weeks.

FINANCIAL PROGRAMS

Retirement

Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System is a requirement for all regular full-time and regular part-time employees. Employees contribute 6% of their annual compensation before it is taxed. If you leave County service before retirement, you may withdraw your retirement contributions or elect to freeze your contributions in anticipation of future local government employment. If you have 5 years of service, you are 100% vested in the NCLGERS.

NC401(k)

The NC401(k) supplemental retirement program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees. The County establishes this 401(k) account for each eligible employee and makes a 5% contribution based on monthly earnings. Employees may elect to make voluntary contributions through payroll deduction.

457 Deferred Compensation

The 457 Deferred Compensation program is available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees through payroll deduction. Deferred compensation is a voluntary investment plan to supplement retirement income and to defer taxable income.

Special Separation Allowance

The Separation Allowance is available to law enforcement officers between the ages of 55 and 62 years that are eligible and retire under the provisions of the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System.

125 Flexible Benefit Plan

Flexible Spending Account options are available to regular full-time and regular part-time employees who wish to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and daycare expenses. The Flex Convenience Card program gives you instant access to your account funds.

Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit is a condition of employment for all employees. Deposit of your paycheck will be made to checking or savings accounts in a bank of your choice.

Credit Union

Local Government Federal Credit Union membership is available to all employees. Once you join, you can remain a member for as long as you choose. Immediate family members such as spouse, children, stepchildren, brothers, sisters, and parents can all become members.

Employees of both the Departments of Social Services and Public Health are eligible to join the State Employees Credit Union.

LEAVE PROGRAMS

Vacation Leave

For regular full-time County employees, vacation leave accrues based on length of service. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated vacation leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit.

Sick Leave

For regular full-time County employees, sick leave accrues at 8.0 hours per month. Regular part-time employees accrue prorated sick leave based on a percentage of the full-time benefit. Your unused sick leave balance can be applied as creditable service toward a service retirement under the guidelines of the NCLGERS.

Holidays

The policy of the County is to follow the holiday schedule as published by the State of North Carolina each year.

The following holidays are observed :

Military Leave

Annual Training - Reserves and National Guard -Ten paid workdays per fiscal year.

Active Duty - Reserves and National Guard - Ten paid workdays upon activation.

Civil Leave

Paid leave is provided to full-time or regular part-time County employees called for jury duty or as a witness of the court for the federal or state government, or a subdivision thereof.

Family Medical Leave Act

Federal law provides job protection and continuation of existing paid health insurance during 12 weeks of leave, paid or unpaid, to an eligible employee for qualifying events. These events can include birth or adoption, and serious illness of an immediate family member, or of the employee.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is open to all employees and their dependents. It is a confidential service provided at no cost to the employees of the County. EAP provides certified counselors who administer assessment and brief therapy to employees who want help with a variety of personal and work-related issues such as stress, parenting concerns, grief, alcohol / drug use, family problems, financial concerns, and work-related problems.

Wellness Center and Telemedicine

We believe that staying healthy is inclusive of exercising regularly and taking care of your physical body. Nash County has a Wellness Center, which consists of various exercise equipment and videos, open to all full and part-time employees.

All full-time employees also have access to telemedicine through Teladoc. Teladoc treats conditions like allergies, sore throats, asthma, and more. Doctors are available by phone or video 24 / 7 from wherever you are. They are available to diagnose symptoms and send a prescription if needed.

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

The benefits offered by Nash County are subject to change. In the event there is a conflict between the above contents and Nash County policies and / or a State or Federal statute, the policy / statute shall control. Plan documents will govern benefits plans should there be a conflict with this information. They are not held out to any employee as part of any contractual agreement. Benefits, policies, and procedures are subject to change or termination at any time.

Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Actual provisions of each plan will be provided on the certificate of coverage as part of the Summary Plan description.

Nash County is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Provider

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family / parental status, income derived from public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at filing cust.html and any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by :

1. mail : U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

2. fax : (202) 690-7442; or

3. email : program.intake@usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Which best describes your level of education? SWIA&T

Have you completed Child Welfare in NC training?

Do you have experience working in Child Protective Services, court studies, and testimonies?

How many years of experience do you have as a Social Worker?

Do you have a valid NC drivers license?

Do you own a reliable vehicle that can be used for work-related transportation?

Do you have North Carolina automobile liability insurance on your vehicle?

Employees are expected to work in emergency shelters and / or perform disaster related tasks.

Your application must illustrate all relevant education and experience you have acquired in the last 10 years, to include any gaps you have had between employment (gaps in employment MUST be documented under the work experience section of the application). Failure to complete the "Work Experience" & "Education" sections of the application may result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualification for this position.

Required Question

Salary : $56,042 - $200,000