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.

• Works a night duty schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. Provides for constant coverage of the Child Abuse Hotline by responding timely to callers who contacted the Child Abuse Hotline. Responsibilities include gathering, exploring, documenting, interpreting, evaluating, and staffing with superior’s information from reporters of child protective services issued via telephone calls, office visits, mail and e-mails. This worker is responsible for making a recommendation to superiors as to whether the information reported meets North Carolina statutory definitions and NCDHHS-Division of Social Services Policy guidance around abuse, neglect, and dependency of children. This worker must conduct responsibilities in a hasty and time-sensitive manner in order to facilitate the initiation of accepted Child Protective Services Reports within required timeframes. This worker is responsible for evaluating needs and referring to helping agencies, in addition to evaluating appropriateness for DHHS interventions.
• Assesses reports of abuse, neglect, or dependency of children using either a forensic investigative assessment approach or a family assessment approach depending on the severity of the maltreatment reported, and in accordance with state law and divisional policy governing such. Preliminary reviews existing DSS documentation (if such exists) and staffs response process with Supervisor. Conducts a comprehensive initiation of Child Protective Services reports including interviews of all victim children, all caretakers, all persons living in the home, all appropriate collaterals (as indicated by both the reporter and the family being investigated), and all other persons, entities, agencies, professionals, relatives, etc. who might have knowledge about family relationships, behaviors, and incident (or incidences) that prompted the report to DSS. Works collaboratively with law enforcement, and prosecutors on joint investigations of forensic nature. Follows mandated timeframes and procedures for appropriate initiation and continuous process of assessment. Observes the home structure and environment, ensuring that persons, provisions, and location are able to meet the basic needs of each child involved in the report. Completes safety assessments and other tools as appropriate with the family to promote transparent process. When necessary, explores alternative safety resource placement option with the family, in order to avoid removal of physical or legal custody. Engages the family in planning for safety and well-being, encouraging immediate action and front-loading services. Incites the professional opinions of necessary contributors (law enforcement, medical personnel, mental health professionals, etc.) in order to adequately determine what safety measures are necessary.
• Completes referrals from daytime staff by responding to and completing requested activities for Child Protective Services and Foster Care cases as needed after hours. Responds to emergencies that arise outside of office hours.
• Invokes court action when children cannot be safe in their own homes, seeking direction through legal consultation, and completion/filing of all necessary court paperwork. Accompanies law enforcement to take physical custody of child(ren).
• Participates in forensic joint interview at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases (with law enforcement and any other appropriate professionals).
• Documents all activities, contacts, dates and times on structured documentation tool. Requests necessary supporting documentation from external sources and places such in case file.
• Participates in local, professionally enhancing, and state-mandated trainings. Participates in monthly MDT meetings where specific cases are discussed in a multi-disciplinary setting. Participates in quarterly internal meetings with all fellow assessors to discuss policy changes, service gaps, equipment needs, process instruction, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience
• Master’s Degree in counseling or human services field and two years of directly-related experience
• BSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative and one year of directly-related experience **(Child Welfare positions only)
• BSW from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and four years of directly-related experience

A copy of a transcript must be included with the application.

A valid driver's license is required

Related work experience includes:

• Case management
• Social Work
• Child Support, Medicaid, or Food Stamps experience
• D.J.J. experience
• Mental health services that include case management
• Special education work that includes specific case management and referral of services
• Hospital Social Work

Related work experience does not include:

• Teaching
• Special education classrooms without case management
• Special Education teacher aid positions*
• Law Enforcement*
• Court liaison services

*Unless position's main duties include following cases and case management

Additional Information

Minimally qualified applicants will start at 25% of the salary range: $62,076.

The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.40 - $43.18 per hour

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Social work: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Gastonia, NC 28052: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person