What are the responsibilities and job description for the Adoptions Kinship Social Worker III position at Catawba County Government?
Catawba County Social Services is recruiting for an Adoptions Kinship Social Worker III to provide adoption services for children in DSS custody. This position focuses on completing kinship assessments and providing services and support to kinship/relative families who have children from the welfare system placed in their home. Adoption services include training, complete licensure tasks as needed, foster care services, adoption services, recruitment services, legal and financial aspects of adoption, and adoption assistance.
The ideal candidate will be adoption-competent, trauma-informed, and passionate about helping children achieve safe, stable, and lifelong family connections. This is a fast-paced, rewarding position that requires strong organizational, communication, and case management skills.
Social Work Realistic Job Preview Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybjt65VnAIg
NOTE: Trainees, those with Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees in other areas of human services, but who do not have the required experience, may be considered. Trainee salary is $52,352.31.
- Use extensive social work knowledge to complete emergency and in-depth assessments of prospective kinship (relative or fictive kin) caregivers' ability to provide a stable home environment to a child(ren) experiencing foster care including supervision, parenting, financial support and emotional support
- Support kinship families in becoming state licensed foster homes through training using NTDC curriculum
- Support family through the adoption legal process
- Provide coaching/supervision to kinship families
- Provide state mandated case management services for children experiencing foster care
- Link families with post adoption support services
- Participate in weekly home assessment staffing
- Assess, prepare and support children through the adoption process
- Actively participate in adoption selection committees, treatment meetings, and permanency planning meetings
- Keep statistics, records, and case management notes
- On call coverage required on a rotating basis on weekends and some holidays
- Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work; OR
- Master's degree in counseling or human services field and 1 year of social work experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work with Child Welfare Collaborative; OR
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of social work experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and 2 years of social work experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field and 3 years of social work experience
- Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
- Knowledge of social work principles, trauma, and permanency planning
- Excellent written and oral communication skills including strong active listening and interviewing skills
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple cases
- Ability to complete legal documents and court reports
- This is considered light to medium work; lifting up to 40 pounds to carry children and belongings.
Preferences:
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
- Completion of Training in Adoption Competency (TAC)
- Direct social work experience in child welfare services or similar experiences
- Persons with bilingual ability (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply