Social Worker I - Foster Care Assistant

The purpose of this position is to support Foster Care Social Worker (FCSW) in providing permanency-planning services. The objective is for the SW I to complete functions that assist in the casework of a Foster Care SW. Supervising court-ordered visitation, transporting children and parents to visitation, transporting birth parents to appointments to remove barriers to services, and assisting in writing summaries of children for their adoption profiles. The position will provide summaries of visitations to the FCSW but will not carry a caseload. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Social Work Supervisor III. 

• Aggressively seeks out permanence for children in foster care.
• Conducts monthly personal visits with children assigned by FCSW.
• Attends all court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation.
• Contacts and conducts visits with all appropriate family members and collaterals.
• Visits the home where the child resides, observes the environment, and talks with the caretakers.
• Conducts ongoing assessments to ensure the best interests of the child are being met.
• Coordinates and facilitates visits between children and removes family/caretakers as necessary.
• Advocates for and obtains all services the children may need, which includes medical, emotional, educational, as well as placement needs.
• Conduct home visits (announced and unannounced) to the removal home.
• Attends all necessary meetings (i.e. treatment team, IEP, PPAT, DJJDP, etc.) required by NCDHHS-Division of Social Services Policy, North Carolina Juvenile Statute, and through local court direction. Prepares pictures, correspondence, medical records, educational records, running narratives that document and detail all DSS activities, copies of all court paperwork and orders, Permanency Planning Team paperwork, case plans developed with caretakers, risk assessments, strengths & needs assessments, visitation plans, referrals for child or parent, the release of information forms, any mental health records, eligibility for funding forms, all identifying information (such as birth certificates and social security numbers), social histories, home studies, parental information - assessments, criminal histories, past CPS involvements, referred programs progress notes (i.e. DV Groups, Substance Abuse information, therapists notes, parenting group updates, etc.).
• Takes child (and sometimes parent) to appointments to help achieve the well-being and permanency goals, helps facilitate visitation between child and caretaker(s), drug screenings of caretakers, and court attendance.  

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations is expected.  The employee is required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during, and after the emergency. An employee is also required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

• Knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices must be demonstrated and applied to specific casework and community problems.
• Must have training around grief and loss, and be able to understand the effects of separation on a child.  
• Considerable knowledge of behavioral and socioeconomic problems is required.
• Working knowledge of government, civic, and private organizations as well as community resources.
• Working knowledge of the organization, functions, and programs of the County government.
• Ability to understand laws, regulations, and policies which govern social work programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all individuals orally and in writing.  
• Knowledge and ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, and spelling skills.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, and to plan and execute work effectively.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Considerable knowledge of computers for word processing, data retention and retrieval, and the ability to utilize office equipment.

• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year of directly related experience. or 
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years of experience; or 
• Equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• North Carolina Child Welfare Pre-Service Training.
• Possess a valid NC driver’s license.

Salary : $44,555 - $62,956