CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER - Permanency Planning

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides services to children in the legal custody of the Department of Social Services who require reunification, relative placement, adoption and/or termination of parental rights.  Makes diligent efforts to achieve permanency for children while monitoring their safety and well-being. Maintains thorough documentation of all case activity.  Works in partnership with other community agencies.  Prepares court summaries and participates in associated court proceedings.  Considerable knowledge of child welfare practices, early childhood development and family dynamics needed.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect of children.

• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law.

• Thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory.

• 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, 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or 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 and three years of social work or counseling experience; or graduation from a four-year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling or a related human service field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires a valid North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable three-year driving record and a vehicle.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer