Catawba County Social Services is committed to improving lives by serving children and families with multiple and complex needs. We are currently recruiting for a part-time, hourly Foster Care Social Worker III. The primary purpose of this position is to provide services to children and families when children are in the legal and physical custody of Social Services due to abuse, neglect, and/or dependency.
Social Workers in this role focus on ensuring each child's well-being while collaborating with parents and caretakers toward reunification. This includes conducting home visits, assessments, and case planning, making referrals, and evaluating ongoing progress. When reunification is not possible, the Social Worker will work toward an alternative permanency plan for the child. This position also works closely with the court system by attending hearings, testifying when necessary, and preparing court reports with permanency recommendations.
This position is hourly part-time, working no more than 20 hours per week, and is not eligible for benefits. We are seeking candidates with some evening and weekend availability.
- Work with children, their biological families, and others, including extended family, therapists; school and court personnel, foster families, and others involved with the child to help a child achieve their permanent plan
- Develop case plans and interventions that promote safety, permanency, and well-being to support children and families while a child is experiencing foster care
- A full range of case management tasks
- Preparing information for the court
- Timely and thorough documentation
- Conduct home visits with birth parents, resource parents, and children
- Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work; OR
- Master's degree in counseling or human services field and 1 year of social work experience; OR
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of social work experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and 2 years of social work experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field and 3 years of social work experience
- If the Social Worker position is a child welfare position: Possession of a BSW with the Child Welfare Collaborative Scholarship/Waiver will replace one year of social work experience required.
- Valid Driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
- This position collaborates with other mandated positions in Child Welfare Services, so good teamwork skills and flexibility in working across disciplines are essential.
- Ability to work with a variety of people, public agencies, and professionals
- Strong verbal and writing skills
- Effective knowledge of child welfare and social work philosophy and policy
- This position requires lifting up to 40 pounds to carry children and belongings.
Preferences:- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
- Strong experience in using clinical and trauma-focused skills
- Experience working with and/or in the mental health system
- Direct social work experience in child welfare services or similar experiences
- Persons with bilingual ability (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply.
