Social Worker IAT (Afterhours)

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 considered essential for an employee to perform.

• Works a night duty schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. Provides for constant coverage of the Child Abuse Hotline by responding timely to callers who contact the Child Abuse Hotline. Responsibilities include gathering, exploring, documenting, interpreting, evaluating, and staffing with the superior’s information from reporters of child protective services issues via telephone calls, office visits, mail, and e-mails. This worker is responsible for making a recommendation to superiors as to whether the information reported meets North Carolina statutory definitions and NCDHHS-Division of Social Services Policy guidance around abuse, neglect, and dependency of children. This worker must conduct responsibilities in a hasty and time-sensitive manner in order to facilitate the initiation of accepted Child Protective Services Reports within required timeframes. This worker is responsible for evaluating needs, referring to helping agencies, and evaluating appropriateness for DHHS interventions.
• 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 initiation of Child Protective Services reports including interviews of all victim children, all caretakers, all persons 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 and other tools as appropriate with the family to promote a transparent process. When necessary, explore alternative safety resource placement options with the family, in order 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.) to determine the required safety measures adequately
• Completes referrals from daytime staff by responding to and completing requested activities for Child Protective Services and Foster Care cases as needed after hours. Responds to emergencies that arise outside of office hours.
• 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).
• Participates in forensic joint interviews at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases (with law enforcement and 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 using a structured documentation tool. Requests necessary supporting documentation from external sources and places it 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.
• Must be available to work mandatory emergency shelters & other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• MSW from an accredited school of social work
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative **(Child Welfare positions only)
• BSW and one year of experience in case management, assessment, referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy, or treatment planning.
• BSW and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative and one year of directly-related experience **(Child Welfare positions only)
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field with at least 25 semester hours of approved coursework and two years of experience in a related area
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and three years of directly related experience.
• A valid driver's license is required.

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.