JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
POLK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
POSITION:
Social Worker-Investigative/Treatment and Assessment
A SW III or SW II position will be considered if there are no applicants who
qualify for the SW-I/A&T position.
CLOSING DATE:
May 15, 2013
Starting Salaries:
SW-I/T&A
SW III
SW II
Grade 24
Grade 23
Grade 21
$34,096
$32,472
$29,454
Duties Performed: This position is in the Child Welfare Services Unit with a concentration of
social work expertise in keeping families intact when possible. Work involves providing
intensive social work services to children and their families identified as victims / potential
victims of child abuse, neglect and / or dependency; gathering factual information and
completing a thorough evaluation of the situation to assess the risk to the child(ren); planning
with the family and arranging services as necessary in treating the problems that need to be
remedied; performing in-depth assessments and evaluations of family dynamics and needs;
reviewing and monitoring progress on set goals; completing required paperwork; invoking the
authority of the court when necessary for protection of the child(ren); making necessary
arrangements for alternative care for child(ren) who cannot remain in their own home; and
continuing to work with parents, child(ren), relatives, foster families and others as necessary to
assure safe and healthy reunion of families. All Federal, State and local laws, policies and
procedures relevant to child abuse, neglect and dependency must be understood and utilized
correctly. Most of the job responsibilities take place outside of the office in client homes, court
rooms, schools, etc., therefore, the worker must be mobile. The ability to communicate with
persons from a range of social, cultural and economic backgrounds and variety of mental
capacities is required. The worker provides after hours coverage when needed and works
cooperatively within the Child Welfare Services unit.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques
and practices, and their application to complex casework, treatment and investigation of abuse or
neglect of children; considerable knowledge of the laws, policies and procedures which govern
the programs; thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and
medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory; considerable
knowledge of and ability to utilize governmental and private organizations and resources in the
community; extensive knowledge of the attachment, separation, and reattachment process; .
Ability to interact and motivate a resistant involuntary client population and the public who may
not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs; ability to prepare
documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment
plans; ability to testify as an expert witness; ability to employ advanced case management
interview techniques to establish a supportive relationship and involve families in the initial
assessment for the need of services; ability to quickly assess the risks and safety of the client
environment during daylight hours, after dark and in high crime areas; ability to employ expert
negotiation skills in the most complex cases; ability to analyze and assess child development
safety issues in relation to risk factors; ability to analyze tense family situations and make
decisions about removing children when the decision might have to be made with limited direct
information and limited access to consultation; ability to communicate effectively and establish
supportive client relationships; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
with civic, legal, medical, social and faith-based organizations; ability to express ideas clearly
and concisely; ability to plan and execute work effectively; ability to perform manual work
exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to
move objects. A valid Driver’s License is required.
Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree from an accredited
school of social work and one year of social work experience; or 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 including at least 15 semester
hours in courses related to social work or counseling and three years of social work or counseling
experience; or graduation from a four year college or university and four years experience in
rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related human services field providing
experience in the techniques of casework, group work, or community organization; or an
equivalent combination of training and experience.
All applicants must submit a current state application (Form PD-107) and an official transcript to
Polk County Department of Social services, 231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring NC 28756. No
applications will be accepted after closing date. Applications can be located on line at
www.osp.state.nc.us or picked up at Polk County DSS. The applicant selected must undergo a
criminal background check and drug screening test prior to employment.
An Equal Opportunity Employer