Social Work Supervisor III Child Protective Services

To perform responsible supervisory work in the guidance and coordination of professional and support personnel engaged in the social work operations of a unit within the Department of Social Services.

• Supervises and participates in the provision of foster care and adoption services and/or child protective services, ensuring that children are provided a safe, secure and nurturing environment and that their rights of safety and well being are protected. 
• Supervises subordinate social workers and support staff; supervisory duties include instructing, planning and assigning work, reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, assisting with the selection of new employees, allocating personnel, acting on employee problems, recommending employee discipline and discharge.
• Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for improvement; offers advice and assistance as needed.
• Assists in coordinating and/or provides training and professional development opportunities for subordinate employees.
• Ensures compliance of staff with federal and state laws and regulations, and agency and County policies and procedures.
• Reviews and screens all intake documents.
• Consults with subordinate social workers and assists with individual cases as necessary.
• Serves as a member of the agency team charged with reviewing and determining foster child placement; identifies appropriate placement resources of foster children as well as changing permanent plans in out-of-home placement and in the decision to terminate parental rights.
• Identifies needs of children and assists with referrals to appropriate agency for assistance.
• Obtains assistance from and/or assists law enforcement officers in handling cases involving children as necessary; attends and testifies in court as necessary.
• Conducts home visits as necessary to obtain information and assess the home environment; provides transportation to clients as needed.
• Reviews all court reports prepared by staff for completeness and accuracy.
• Reviews case charts to ensure compliance with requirements; approves case closures.
• Works on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on a rotating basis.
• Gathers information for and prepares a variety of professional, administrative, statistical and financial reports for decision-making purposes and as required by the County and/or other agencies.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints in areas of responsibility.
• Assists in promoting the programs and services of the department to the public through various speaking engagements and participation in community events.
• Assists with special programs and projects as assigned.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment such as a computer, printer, fax machine, copier, calculator, telephone, etc.; uses clerical and computer supplies.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, other County department heads and employees, subordinates, children, parents, adoptive / foster parents, attorneys, court personnel, other social service agencies, various other local/state/federal agencies, and the general public.
• Attends training, conferences, meetings, workshops, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs intake procedures; assists subordinates with casework as necessary.
• Operates emergency shelters as needed.
• Performs various administrative/ clerical tasks as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, reviewing professional journals, returning telephone calls, attending and conducting meetings, answering the telephone, approving time sheets, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of Bladen County Department of Social Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Social Work Supervisor III. 
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of social services, particularly adoption and foster care services and child protective services.  
• Thorough knowledge of terminology used in the profession; has extensive knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; has extensive knowledge of the methods of case recording and report preparation.  
• Considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of County and other governmental agencies. 
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding social services. 
• Knowledge of and skill in using public relations and public education tools and techniques. 
• Knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.  
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including the use of computers for word and data processing and records management. 
• Ability to help ensure division compliance with all laws and regulations and control the activities of the division through effective supervision. 
• Ability to work with colleagues to identify the needs of children and to determine appropriate home placement; is able to monitor home environments and the welfare of children and to take action as needed to protect children’s rights and well-being.  
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. 
• Ability to react professionally and decisively in confrontational situations; is able to deal safely and appropriately with persons exhibiting anger and/or threatening behavior.  
• Ability to make sound, educated decisions. 
• Ability to plan, organize and direct a professional social work staff. 
• Ability to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles; has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervising various programs and related activities.  
• Ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinates regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations. 
• Ability to perform employee evaluations and to make recommendations based on results.  
• Ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.  
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in supervising various programs including the handling of emergency situations, determining procedures, setting priorities, setting schedules, maintaining standards, planning for future County needs and resolving problems. 
• Ability to plan and develop daily, short- and long-term goals related to County purposes.  
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.   
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. 
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  
• Ability to make required mathematical calculations. 
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. 
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.        
• Ability to produce quality work despite the stress of deadlines. 
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. 

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work and three years of social work or counseling experience; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a human services field or related curriculum including at least 15 semester hours in courses related to social work or counseling and four years of social work or counseling experience; or a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and five years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, or a related human services field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work, or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Requirements
Possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Bladen County will   employ only those individuals who are US citizens, or legal aliens authorized to maintain employment in the United States.