Social Worker III - CPS Investigations/In-Home Services/Foster Care

The Social Worker III provides intensive social work services to children and families experiencing complex and challenging circumstances. In this role, you will assess child safety and risk, investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency, develop and monitor case plans, and connect families with resources and services to address identified needs. Additionally, the Social Worker III is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely documentation, collaborating with service providers and community partners, and preparing court documents, reports, and providing testimony at court hearings as required. This position requires independent judgment, discretion, and the ability to work effectively with children and families in sensitive and often stressful situations.

Brunswick County is now accepting applications for the position of Social Worker III across several child welfare program areas. The duties for each area are as follows:

• A Child Protective Services Investigations/Assessments Social Worker III investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency. The primary goal of this program area is to ensure child safety while connecting families with resources to strengthen the family unit and prevent children from entering foster care.

• An In-Home Services Social Worker III partners with families when children are at risk for removal from the home following a Child Protective Services assessment with a finding of abuse and/or neglect. The goal of this program area is to ensure child safety while connecting families with resources to strengthen the family unit and prevent children from entering DSS custody.

• A Permanency Planning/Foster Care Social Worker III partners with parents and caregivers who have lost custody of their children due to abuse, neglect, or dependency issues. The primary goal of this program area is to address the safety concerns and risk factors that led to removal and provide services and resources to support reunification with the parent or caregiver or achieve an alternative permanency plan for the child.

We are seeking candidates with a strong understanding of social work principles, practices, and child welfare policies and legal requirements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to assess family dynamics, identify safety concerns and risk factors, and apply appropriate intervention techniques to support children and families. Knowledge of community resources, family dynamics, and the laws, regulations, and policies governing child welfare services is essential. The role requires excellent written and oral communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to establish effective working relationships with families, service providers, legal professionals, and community partners. The successful candidate will be compassionate, ethical, family-centered, and team-oriented, with the ability to think critically, solve problems, manage competing priorities, and maintain clear, concise, and accurate records. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and navigate various computer programs and databases are also important.

Must be available to work outside normal business hours and during emergency situations. This position requires a significant amount of time spent in family homes and in the community.

• Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; or
• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); or
• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; or
• Master's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience; or
• Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; or
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.   

**PLEASE SUBMIT COPY OF COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS WITH APPLICATION**