Child Protective Specialist Jobs

Performs specialized paraprofessional and technical work in support of the Child Protective Services program within the Department of Social Services. Provides assistance to social workers in the delivery of services to children and families; performs client contacts, transportation, documentation, record maintenance, and other case support activities; assists with monitoring and coordinating services for children and families; and performs related duties as assigned.

Work involves frequent contact with children, parents, relatives, foster parents, service providers, schools, law enforcement, medical professionals, court personnel, and other community partners. Employees are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with Social Workers and other agency staff.

This position performs technical and supportive functions under the direction and supervision of a Social Worker or CPS Supervisor and does not independently perform functions requiring the professional judgment or statutory authority of a Social Worker.

The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Provides technical and paraprofessional assistance to Social Workers assigned to Child Protective Services cases.
• Assists Social Workers with maintaining regular contact with children and families as directed.
• Conducts assigned face-to-face and telephone contacts with children, parents, relatives, foster parents, and other involved individuals.
• Assists with locating children, parents, relatives, and other individuals as requested.
• Assists Social Workers in gathering information and verifying information related to assigned cases.
• Observes and documents family interactions, home conditions, visitation, and other assigned activities.
• Provides information obtained through contacts and observations to the assigned Social Worker.
• Assists with monitoring compliance with established case plans and service recommendations.
• Assists with arranging appointments, referrals, transportation, and other services for children and families.
• Maintains awareness of assigned case activities and communicates concerns or significant changes to the appropriate Social Worker or supervisor.

• Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with children and families.
• Provides information to clients regarding agency procedures, appointments, services, and community resources within the scope of the position.
• Assists families with accessing community resources and services as directed.
• Provides transportation for children and families when authorized and appropriate.
• Supervises or monitors visitation between children and parents or other family members as assigned.
• Assists with coordinating medical, educational, counseling, and other appointments.
• May accompany children to medical appointments, court proceedings, school meetings, or other authorized activities.
• Assists with preparations for children entering or leaving foster care, including gathering and transporting personal belongings and coordinating assigned arrangements.

• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of client contacts, transportation, visitation, services, and other assigned activities.
• Enters information into applicable agency databases and case management systems.
• Prepares correspondence, forms, reports, logs, and other documentation as required.
• Maintains organized case materials and assists with the preparation of case records.
• Ensures documentation is completed in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
• Protects confidential client information and maintains the security of case records.

• Assists Social Workers with preparation of materials for court hearings and other legal proceedings.
• May attend court hearings or other meetings at the direction of the Social Worker or supervisor.
• Communicates with schools, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, foster care providers, attorneys, and community service agencies as authorized.
• Assists with obtaining records or information from community partners as directed.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, staffing meetings, case conferences, and other meetings as assigned.

• Provides technical support related to children in foster care placements.
• Assists with placement-related activities, including transportation, visitation, appointments, and communication with caregivers.
• Maintains regular contact with foster parents and other caregivers as assigned.
• Assists with monitoring children's needs and reports concerns regarding placement, safety, behavior, or well-being to the assigned Social Worker.
• Assists with preparing children for transitions between placements or other living arrangements.

• Maintains confidentiality of all client and agency information.
• Follows all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains professional boundaries with clients and families.
• Participates in required training and professional development activities.
• Maintains required certifications, licenses, or credentials applicable to assigned duties.
• Operates agency vehicles and other equipment as necessary.
• May be required to work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call assignments, based on program needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES' of:

• Principles and practices of human services and social service programs.
• Basic principles of child development and family dynamics.
• Community resources and social service programs.
• Techniques for working with children, families, and individuals experiencing difficult or stressful circumstances.
• Basic interviewing and communication techniques.
• Recordkeeping and documentation practices.
• Confidentiality requirements applicable to social services.
• Basic computer operations and data entry procedures.
• Agency policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations governing assigned responsibilities.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Recognize and report significant changes or concerns regarding the safety and well-being of children.
• Follow written and oral instructions accurately.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and documentation.
• Enter information accurately into electronic databases.
• Organize and prioritize multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Remain calm and professional when dealing with difficult, emotional, or confrontational situations.
• Exercise sound judgment within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Work independently while maintaining appropriate communication with supervisory and professional staff.
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license.

High school diploma or GED and two years of experience in human services, social services, child welfare, healthcare, education, behavioral health, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Experience working in Child Protective Services, foster care, or another child welfare program.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing trauma, abuse, neglect, poverty, substance use, domestic violence, or other significant family challenges.
• Experience with electronic case management or social services information systems.

• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Must be able to successfully complete required background checks and agency screening.
• Must be eligible to work with children and vulnerable populations in accordance with applicable law and agency requirements.
• May be required to complete state-mandated Child Welfare training and other required training within established timeframes.
• Must maintain required certifications and training as applicable to assigned duties.
• May be required to work non-traditional hours based on the needs of the Child Protective Services program.

Work is performed primarily in an office and community-based environment with frequent travel to homes, schools, medical facilities, foster homes, court facilities, and other locations.

The employee may be required to:

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods.
• Operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Drive a county vehicle or personal vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.
• Lift, carry, or move materials and personal belongings associated with children and families.
• Assist children or clients with physical movement or transportation when required and appropriately trained.
• Work in environments that may be unpredictable, stressful, or potentially hazardous.
• Interact with individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress, conflict, crisis, or other challenging circumstances.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

How to Apply

PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED

APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by the McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.

McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions.

McDowell County participates in E-Verify.

Applications are available:

• on our website:

www.mcdowellhrportal.org- under “Job Opportunities”

• McDowell County Administration Building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

Applications can be submitted:

• Online at www.mcdowellhrportal.org

• in person at the County Administration building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

• or by Mail to:

McDowell County Human Resources

60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752

• or by email to:

employment@mcdowellgov.com

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We also offer up to 8 weeks of paid family leave to eligible employees.