Social Worker IAT

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Description

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are not all that may be assigned, but are those that are considered essential for an employee to perform.

• Assesses reports of abuse, neglect, or dependency of children using either a forensic investigative assessment approach or a family assessment approach, depending on the severity of the maltreatment reported, and in accordance with state law and divisional policy governing such. Preliminary reviews existing DSS documentation (if such exists) and staff response process with the Supervisor. Conducts a comprehensive assessment including interviews of all victim children, all caretakers, all person living in the home, all appropriate collaterals (as indicated by both the reporter and the family being investigated), and all other persons, entities, agencies, professionals, relatives, etc. who might have knowledge about family relationships, behaviors, and incident (or incidences) that prompted the report to DSS. Works collaboratively with law enforcement and prosecutors on joint investigations of a forensic nature. Follows mandated timeframes and procedures for appropriate initiation and continuous process of assessment. Observes the home structure and environment, ensuring that persons, provisions, and location are able to meet the basic needs of each child involved in the report. Completes safety assessments (initial and final) and all structured documentation tools with the family to promote a transparent process. When necessary, explore alternative safety resource placement options with the family to avoid removal of physical or legal custody. Engages the family in planning for safety and well-being, encouraging immediate action and front-loading services. Incites the professional opinions of necessary contributors (law enforcement, medical personnel, mental health professionals, etc.) in order to determine what safety measures are necessary adequately.
• Invokes court action when children cannot be safe in their homes, seeking direction through legal consultation, and completion/filing of all necessary court paperwork. Accompanies law enforcement in taking physical custody of child(ren). Collaborates with internal licensing/placement experts to identify and locate placement that best meets the child's needs and physically delivers the child to the caretaker.
• Participates in forensic joint interviews at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases (with law enforcement and any other appropriate professionals).
• Participates weekly in unit/team staffing, presenting completed case assessments for unit/team decision-making. Solicits guidance, direction, and support from the supervisor individually at any point in case and/or requests assistance in completing tasks, if needed.
• Documents all activities, contacts, dates, and times on a structured documentation tool in NC Fast. Requests necessary supporting documentation from external sources (i.e., medical/hospital records, police reports, 911 response sheet) and places such in the case file.
• Participates in local, professionally-enhancing, and state-mandated trainings. Participates in monthly MDT meetings to discuss specific cases in a multi-disciplinary setting. Participates in quarterly internal meetings with all fellow assessors to discuss policy changes, service gaps, equipment needs, process instruction, etc.
• Participates in a secondary backup system for after-hours on call, covering a one-day slot during periods of illness, vacancy, or emergency by regular after-hours staff. Must be available to work mandatory emergency shelters and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Additional Information

The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.

In compliance with G.S. 160A-164.2(b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S.143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties.

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.