Social Worker III - Foster Care Licensing

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.DescriptionThis position is being re-advertised and will remain open until filled. Candidates who have previously submitted an application are still being considered and do not need to reapply.*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.Johnston County Department of Social Services has an immediate opening for a Social Worker III in the Foster Home Licensing Services Unit.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe primary purpose for the Foster Care Licensed Social Worker is to recruit and license foster, and adoptive families as set forth by minimum licensing standards. The worker is to complete all home studies and complete the home study process for all relatives that are being considered for placement of a foster child as well. The worker will assess the relative as a potential licensed foster home as well.The recruitment process involves the social worker's ability to utilize interviewing skills (ex: assessment, evaluation), the development of foster homes, consultation, technical assistance and training to assist foster families in the supervision and improvement of the quality of care provided.The social worker must be familiar with established standards of substitute care as the standards relate to physical, psychosocial growth and achievement of self-realization by the child. The social worker promotes and supports the foster parents/family in their endeavor.The worker assists the foster parent in accepting appropriate responsibility for the continuity of placement to avoid unnecessary replacements. The worker's role encompasses administrative duties such as the licensing process and establishing controls for record keeping maintenance. The worker assesses and evaluates existing conditions, which relate to the needs of the community and works to expand, strengthen and improve the foster care-licensing program.Keeping foster homes up to date and re-licensed and licensing new foster homes is the paramount goal of this position.Knowledge, Skills And AbilitiesThorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work and community problems. Considerable knowledge of a wide range of medical behavioral and psychosocial 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 medical terminology, diseases 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 psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client's problems. Ability to supervise, train, or instruct lower-level social workers, students, and interns in the program. 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 ExperienceMaster's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience.OrMaster's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience; Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience.Preference will be given to applicants with prior Child Welfare experience and/ or completion of mandatory Child Welfare training within the last 3 years.It is preferred that a copy of an unofficial transcript be attached to the application at time of submission for qualification purposes. Please note should a transcript not be attached, it may be requested.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 InformationIf 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.Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.comThis description applies to benefits eligible positions.01Please select your highest level of education completed.Master's degree from an accredited school of social workBachelor's degree from an accredited school of social workMaster's degree in Human Services from an accredited schoolBachelor's degree in Human Services from an accredited schoolPhD or other professional degree02Are you certified/trained to teach TIPS/MAPP?YesNo03Have you completed the North Carolina Child Welfare Pre-Service training for Child Welfare?YesNo04Have you worked as a Foster Care/Permanency Planning and/or Adoptions Social Worker in a NC DSS?YesNo05Do you have a valid North Carolina driver's license?YesNo Required Question