Position:Social Worker III – LINKS/Foster Care
Position Status:Full-Time
Department:Social Services
Salary Range:$54,286.44 – $57,035.27
Opening Date:April 18, 2023
Closing Date:Until Filled
Position Description:
An employee in this class is responsible for serving teens and young adults eligible for LINKS services and those participating in the Foster Care 18-21 program by providing support and comprehensive solution focused assessments, interventions, and training that will support their growth towards self-sufficiency and independence. Works cohesively with teens and/or young adults, their support systems, community, and in-agency partners to support their goals and strengthen their ability to be productive adults. Strives for excellence in meeting all mandated standards in a challenging, but rewarding environment that ultimately seeks to assure teens and/or young adults are able to reach self-sufficiency, develop a support system, and obtain their goals. This position will also be responsible for additional foster care responsibilities in seeking permanence for children placed in the foster care system. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Social Work Supervisor III.
Responsibilities:
• Assists in building a network of services for LINKS youth aged 13–20 years old to include family, friends, mentors, community members, employers, skills training, and other resources.
• Creates and/or facilitates opportunities for youth to experience grown-enhancing interactions with the environment.
• Assesses continual foster care placement or transitions to independence for young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 while under child welfare agency supervision.
• Facilitates team meetings while creating an environment of physical and emotional safety.
• Encourages effective communication and manages conflict or denial.
• Determines funding eligibility for children served with the various child welfare programs.
• Creates and maintains a case file for a child’s life while in foster care.
• Sees, works, and talks to the children at least once a month; and maintains contact with appropriate family members and collaterals.
• Attends all court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation.
• Prepares correspondence, records, and narratives that detail all DSS activities, copies of all court paperwork and orders, visit plans, assessments, funding eligibility and other related documents.
• In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations is expected. Employee is required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during, and after the emergency. Employee is also required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
Qualifications:
• Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; or
• 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.
Applications may be filed online at www.alexandercountync.gov or by mail to Alexander County Human Resources, 621 Liledoun Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681.