Graham County Department of Social Services
196 Knight Street
Robbinsville, NC 28771
Kay Fields
Interim Director
Telephone 828.479.7911
Fax 828.479.4502
Graham County Department of Social Services
invites applications for the position of:
CPS Social Worker
OPENING DATE: 8/30/13
CLOSING DATE: 9/13/13
DESCRIPTION
Provide services for children and families where child abuse, neglect and/or
dependency have occurred which could include case management services, foster
care, and/or assessments/investigations; conduct ongoing assessments, identifying
whether children need protection from abuse or neglect, and develop a
protection/service plan with the family; provide preventive services to ensure children
can remain in their own homes if possible; remove children from unsafe environments
when necessary; and provide comprehensive assessments including
psychological/psychiatric, medical, health, legal, and educational issues to make a
decision regarding best interest and safety for a child or family.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
(may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be
assigned.)
Works with families and children to reduce risk factors and strengthen family functioning
whenever possible.
Work with children in DSS custody to achieve a timely permanent plan.
Assesses the risk of harm to children alleged to be abused, neglected, or dependent.
Removes and relocates children at high risk for serious imminent maltreatment from
alleged perpetrators.
Assesses alleged child victims of maltreatment and their families; interviews children
with age appropriate techniques within mandated timeframes.
Interviews parents, guardians, and caretakers; develops a protection plan with child’s
parents, and guardians to ensure child’s safety.
Coordinates medical exams of possible physical / sexual abuse victims; interviews all
adults in the home; assesses family’s home environment.
Integrates assessment information; reviews with supervisors to formulate an appropriate
case disposition.
Strengthens families through service provisions and referrals.
Works with the judicial system.
Provides after hours on-call coverage.
Prepares for home visits including but not limited to background checks.
Works with language translators.
Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as reports of abuse and
neglect, medical evaluations, child forensic evaluations, law enforcement reports, and
previous CPS records.
Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as court reports, diagnosis
of family functioning, safety plans, and letters.
Please review the video below for more details on providing child welfare services in
North Carolina.
http://ssw.unc.edu/jif/rr/rjp.htm
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Children / Family Services
Division of the Department of Social Services as they pertain to the performance of
duties of the CPS Social Worker.
Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific
duties and responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of social work principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of family dynamics and risk factors impacting families’ ability to protect and
care for children.
Skilled in assessing and evaluating child maltreatment indicators.
Skilled in establishing priorities and organizing work.
Skilled in gathering and analyzing complex data.
Skilled in negotiating and problem solving.
Skilled in developing and implementing case management plans.
Minimum Requirements
Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to possession of a
Master's Degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social
work/counseling experience or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited school of social
work and two years of social work/counseling experience. Completion of the North
Carolina Child Welfare Education curriculum is equivalent to one year of experience.
Prefer social work degree and/or experience in child welfare/protective services.
Requires strong assessment and clinical skills as well as the ability to work with a
variety of community agencies and the court. Must possess a driver's license valid in the
State of North Carolina. Bilingual applicants with fluency in English and Spanish are
encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
Requires the ability to operate office equipment including a computer, some light lifting
is required on occasion. Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle.