Social Worker (Protective Services)
Performs difficult professional work providing protective social work services to clients in the Child Protective Services and Permanency Planning (adoption/foster care) units of the Department of Social Services, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Social Work Supervisor.
Position Responsibilities:
- Provides intensive social work services in serious and complicated cases which require the flexible use of a wide range of social work skills and intervention techniques in the Child Protective Services or Permanency Planning unit of the Department of Social Services.
- Provides in-depth assessment of family dynamics and needs, assessment, intervention, and treatment of patients and/or families with acute to severe medical and/or emotional disorders and mental illnesses.
- Investigates alleged neglect or abuse; conducts fitness for permanency placement investigations.
- Manages a caseload of clients in the most difficult and complex cases; conducts case management.
- Performs accurate assessments to identify needs and establishes appropriate service/treatment plans for clients; may provide supportive/directive counseling to clients and families in identifying resources for referral and assistance.
- Serves as an inter/multi-disciplinary team member; refers clients for services to meet financial, psychological, emergency care, emotional or other needs.
- Provides information to and confer with schools, natural parents, and foster parents on habilitation plans, behavior management, and other problem areas or needs.
- Conducts interviews and home visits to verify information, conduct assessments, and evaluate service/treatment plans.
- Assists with intake interviews, conduct background checks, analyzes client medical information for work capacity where applicable.
- Facilitates or develops community or service resources and/or develop volunteer programs. Performs assigned functions as a Disaster Ready Team (DRT) member, if appointed or volunteer.
- Performs related work as required.
Qualifications:
Considerable knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to individual casework group work and community problems. Knowledge of the psycho-social, socioeconomic, and behavioral problems and associated treatment. Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and community resources. Knowledge of laws, regulations and policies which govern the program. General knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes and their treatment is required In certain programs or settings. Skill in establishing rapport with a client and applying techniques of assessing psycho-social, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client's problem. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative superiors members of case load and their families, and with civics medical, social and religious organizations. Ability to train or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in social work, or related field and moderate (1-3 years) experience in protective services social work, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree preferred.
Special Requirements
Valid driver's license.
*Final Transcript Showing Date Degree Awarded Must Be Submitted With Application*
Salary offered will be determined based on qualifications of the candidate selected, internal equity, and market considerations.