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:
Until Filled
Starting Salaries:
SW-I/T&A
SW III
SW II
Grade 24
Grade 23
Grade 21
$34,096
$32,472
$29,454
Duties Performed:
Work in this position involves providing intensive social work services to children and their
families when they have been identified as victims / potential victims of child abuse, neglect and / or dependency. The
work requires a complete, thorough investigation of the situation, assess the risk to the child and take appropriate action.
Performing in-depth assessments and evaluations of family dynamics and needs, reviewing and monitoring progress on
set goals and completing required paperwork in these serious and complicated cases require the flexible use of a wide
range of social work skills. 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 a 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
individual, family and group dynamics and medical, behavioral and / or psychosocial problems a range of intervention
techniques. Considerable knowledge of the laws, policies and procedures which govern the programs. Considerable
knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community. 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 has 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 and 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