Salary: $25.40 - $43.18 Hourly Location : Gaston County Department of Social Services, NC Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 3044-2SHFT Department: SOCIAL SERVICES Opening Date: 09/30/2024 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt 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 Gaston Social Services: Protecting, caring for and empowering children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administrating of federal, state and county programs focused on improving the well-being of our citizens. The goal of the Gaston County Human Services Center and Division of Social Services is to foster an agency which is professionally responsive to our citizens' needs through daily caring outreach and simultaneously serve as an advocate for those in need. We strive to be community-minded and community-spirited. We abide by federal, state and county operating instructions in providing services and we assist welfare recipients in attaining self-sufficiency. Examples of Duties The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.
- Works an evening scheduled of Monday through Friday with occasional weekend hours when needed to assist with after-hours coverage. Responsibilities include assessing, documenting, interpreting, evaluation, and staffing with supervisors' information from reporters of child protective services issues via telephone calls, office visits, mail and e-mails. This worker is responsible for making recommendation to supervisor 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 and referring to heling agencies, in addition to evaluation 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 staffs response process with 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 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 transparent process. When necessary, explores alternative safety resource placement option 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.) in order to adequately determine what safety measures are necessary.
- 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. Foster care duties may include supervising visitation, supervising children without placement, and transporting children to placement.
- Invokes court action when children cannot be safe in their own homes, seeking direction through legal consultation, and completion/filing of all necessary court paperwork. Accompanies law enforcement to take physical custody of child(ren).
- Participates in forensic joint interview at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases (with law enforcement and any other appropriate professionals).
- Participates in unit/team staffing on weekly basis, presenting completed case assessments for unit/team decision-making. Solicits guidance, direction, support from supervisor individually at any point in case and/or requests assistance in completing tasks, if needed.
- Documents all activities, contacts, dates and times on structured documentation tool. Requests necessary supporting documentation from external sources and places such in case file.
- Participates in local, professionally-enhancing, and state-mandated trainings. Participates in monthly MDT meetings where specific cases are discussed 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.
Minimum Qualifications a. MSW from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience b. MSW from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative **(Child Welfare positions only) c. Master's degree in counseling or human services field and two years of directly-related experience d. BSW and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative and one year of directly-related experience **(Child Welfare positions only) e. BSW from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience f. Bachelor's degree in a human services field and three years of directly-related experience g. Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university and four years of directly related experience. A valid driver's license is required. A copy of a transcript must be included with the application.Additional Information Applicants with less than 5 years of applicable experience will start at 25% of the salary range. The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment. 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. At Gaston County, we are committed to providing our full-time employees with a comprehensive total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, a range of benefits, and incentives. A few key components of our total compensation package include:
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Pension
- 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
Flexible Work Schedules Professional Development Opportunities Discounted YMCA Membership To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.