Social Worker IV - Investigations

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This job posting expires at 11:59PM on June 29, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on June 29, 2026. Job Title: Social Worker IV - Investigations Department: Health and Human Services External Hiring Range: $31.57 - $36.86 Posted Internally and Externally Do you feel the call to help others? Do you want to help families safely care for their children? Investigators and Assessors work to determine the validity and severity of child abuse or neglect reports. They make sure that children and families in crisis get what they need to address the identified issues. We are looking for fast-paced, passionate, and engaging human services professionals to join our Social Work Department in Buncombe County, NC. If the typical 8-to-5 job is not for you, and you have the desire to help children and work with families in crisis, then consider a career as a Social Worker IV - Investigations (formerly titled Investigation, Assessment, & Treatment Social Worker - IATSW) with Buncombe County Social Work Services. This posting is for ongoing recruitment for the Social Work Investigations division. Learn more about the job from our Social Workers in these 1-minute videos: Pamela , Brenda , George and Emily . This position will be hired as a fully-qualified Social Worker IV or a Social Worker IV Trainee depending on candidate qualifications. Salaries are calculated based on education and experience above minimum qualifications. The Pay Range for a Social Worker IV is $31.57 - $36.86 an hour The Pay Range for a Social Worker IV Trainee is $29.51 - $34.45 an hour Candidates hired as Social Worker IV Trainees are expected to advance to a Social Worker IV position once the employee becomes fully qualified. At that time the selected candidate will be promoted and compensated as a qualified Social Worker. We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that is representative of our diverse community. If you are interested in this position but are not certain if you meet the exact qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply. Buncombe County uses a substantial equivalency standard to determine if applicants are qualified. Candidates are required to submit transcripts with their application. Social Workers are required to work in the office (no teleworking) for their first 6 months of employment to ensure they receive the appropriate level of support and training. The selected candidate for this position will be required to submit to a drug test. Please note that CBD or Delta-9 Hemp products may cause a positive drug test. Purpose of the position: The primary purpose of this position is to ensure child safety in compliance with state and federal statutes regarding child protective services. Essential Functions of the position: Assess the risk and safety of children in response to actual or suspected child neglect, abuse, or dependency through conducting a thorough investigation of the home, school and other locations or persons involved, conducting such assessments requires the use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver's license. Develop and monitor service plans with families involved in Child Protective Services and provide or refer services as needed. Make recommendations to the court, including services needed, progress and barriers to permanent plan. Provide direct services to children and their parents/caretakers through which a timely and comprehensive assessment is conducted to determine if abuse/neglect/dependency exist and provide for ongoing intervention if warranted. Ensure safety planning for children in compliance with state and federal statutes and policies. If children cannot remain safely in their home a petition to the court and/or non-secure custody is sought. Assess, support, supervise and counsel families involved with child protective services to ensure child safety, wellbeing and permanence. Evaluate available information to determine the appropriateness for intervention and level of services required. Prepare legal documents, court reports, and court testimony when warranted in compliance with state and federal statutes and policies. Ensure all required documentation, forms and reports are completed and maintained in a timely and consistent manner in accordance with local, state and federal requirements. Provide transportation on a limited basis to families when necessary to access services to address safety and wellbeing issues. Advise clients of the Department's mandated responsibilities, agency policies and procedures and clients' rights. Establish rapport with children, families and appropriate professionals/non-professionals in the community to provide a strengths-based, family centered approach in working with families throughout child welfare involvement. Coordinate goal-directed visitation with birth family in accordance with Court orders and service agreements. Develop and/or participate in Child and Family Team to ensure collaborative service p