Social Worker III Guardianship/SA – (DSS)

DEPARTMENT: Social Services

SALARY: Grade 65                            $23.5878 Hourly /$49,062.52 Annually 

OPENING DATE: January 5, 2024                    CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED    

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The primary purpose of this position is to provide services to aged and disabled adults who are in need of protection and services including Guardianship, Payee, In-Home, Family Adjustment, Case Management, Counseling and Family Adjustment, Adult Foster Care, Adult Day Care, Placement and Facility services. The above described services are a function of the DSS as mandated by law and are assigned to this position in the Adult Services Unit. This position also does back-up Adult Protective Services and is on-call.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from the assigned duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

This worker has the responsibility of assessment and evaluation of each person for which DSS is Guardian. A six-point assessment is completed and a reassessment is done annually. This worker is responsible for the development of service plans and goals and for arranging treatment services for the ward. This position provides services adequate to meet the ward’s needs in the least restrictive environment.

Implementation of all necessary services on the client’s behalf is done by this worker. This may be done by referring the client to service providers. seeking placement in appropriate facilities such as rest homes and nursing homes, and by initiating other activities aimed at maintaining the client’s well-being. If the client is not capable of making decisions for himself, decisions are made for him or her. This worker uses social work counseling techniques necessary to explain to the ward the fundamental issues that affect him.

This worker is responsible for monitoring and maintaining each case where Duplin County DSS is named Guardian. Visitation with the ward is required at least quarterly to determine that the client is receiving all services necessary and that satisfactory progress toward goals are being accomplished. Monthly contact is required by home visits, office visits, or by telephone contact to the ward and/or facility staff when appropriate to stay current with wards actions and progress. This worker consults with a variety of service providers on client’s behalf including doctors, mental health professionals, social security, legal counsel and financial institutions. These providers must be involved in a continuum of care and services to the client. Such consultation is for the purpose of securing necessary services and to get feedback regarding the client’s mental, physical and emotional status. This worker is the liaison between the client and any or all agencies or persons connected with the client. Often, the client in these cases does not have the capacity to obtain any services on his own and is solely dependent upon the worker for the provision of services he or she needs. This worker is involved in teaching the client to use services that are provided to him or her. Often the Social Worker must be a skilled communicator to ensure that the Client understands the services provided for him or her and how to use the services to their benefit.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Master’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; Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; Master’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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough 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/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory. Considerable knowledge of family and group dynamics and a range of intervention techniques, governmental and private organizations, and resources in the community, laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program. General knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training. In certain settings, considerable knowledge of medical terminology, disease 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 or assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client’s problems. Ability to supervise, train, or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns in the program. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of case load 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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All employees should possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

All employees may be requested to perform other duties as assigned.

All employees may be required to assist county operations during a State of Emergency, disaster or other county event.