Entry Level Child Protective Services Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Description The Johnston County DSS mission is to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families. We provide human services programs that are intended to promote the health, well-being, self-sufficiency and protection of families, children and adults within our community.

The Johnston County Department of Social Services has an immediate opening for a Social Worker II Child Protective Services Intake position in the Child Protective Services Unit. Duties and Responsibilities This Child Protective Services Intake Social II will receive alleged reports of abuse, neglect and/or dependency and assist in screening of alleged CPS reports in determining if such reports fall within the jurisdiction of a CPS investigation/assessment as set forth in GS 7B101. The worker will also make the appropriate referrals to local law enforcement agencies and district attorney offices as deemed appropriate.

In addition, the worker will refer the reporter to the appropriate community contact agencies as deemed appropriate. The worker must have the ability to quickly attempt to ascertain the necessary facts of alleged abuse neglect and dependency on reports, to determine what if any steps are necessary to protect and ensure the safety of victim, or potential victim children. Said steps include obtaining all necessary information pertinent for the intake process, conducting thorough computer checks that are possible on any person named in the report as a victim child or an adult caretaker/parent and initiation of notification to all the appropriate persons/ agencies as warranted.

Job duties are primarily operated from agency office space and do not involve travel or home visits expect when deemed necessary in emergencies. Worker must possess interviewing skills for children of all ages, ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds, most interviews are conducted via telephone, but some occur in person. Must have the ability to obtain appropriate background checks and information on offending and non-offending caretakers and the ability to interview adults with the skill level equal to those required of interviewing children.

Must have input in the screening process but will not have the responsibility, or requirement, to make the decision to screen in or screen out referrals; be able to function in chaotic and potentially hostile environments and be knowledgeable of appropriate legal statutes that must be used when necessary to protect children. Have and maintain a knowledge of family dynamics, social work assessment techniques, consultations and teaching techniques to help the parent/caretakers and victim children towards identification and prevention of any problems or potential problems, causing abuse or neglect. This position would have altered hours, when/if the county operated emergency shelters as this is a mandatory duty of DSS and all staff must participate as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Considerable knowledge of a wide range of medical behavioral and psychological problems and their treatment. Considerable knowledge of family and group dynamics and a range of intervention techniques. Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.

Considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies, which govern the program. General knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training. In certain settings, considerable knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes and their treatment as they relate to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical or psychological diagnosis.

Skill in establishing rapport with a client and in applying techniques of assessing psychological, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client's problems. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of caseload and their families as well as civic, legal, medical, social, and religious organizations. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.

Desired Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in social work from an appropriately accredited institution; bachelor's degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of directly related experience; bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Unofficial transcript is to be included with application. Official transcript may be required at the time of a final job offer.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned. Important Pre-Employment Information: If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

A pre-employment reference check will be conducted. A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law.

Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.