Community Social Services Technician- CPS

Job Title

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.

Duties

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

• Child Protective Services Case Support
• Client and Family Services
• Documentation and Records
• Court and Community Coordination
• Foster Care and Placement Support
• General Agency Responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge 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.

Ability to:

• 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Special Requirements

• 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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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:

- under "Job Opportunities"

McDowell County Administration Building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752

Applications can be submitted:

• Online at
• 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:

Benefits

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.