Adoptions Social Worker III na Catawba County Government, NC

About the Department

Catawba County Social Services is recruiting for an Adoptions Social Worker III to provide adoption services for children in DSS custody. This position focuses on preparing and supporting children and families through the adoption process, providing post-adoption services, and managing legal and financial adoption documentation.

The ideal candidate will be adoption-competent, trauma-informed, and passionate about helping children achieve safe, stable, and lifelong family connections. This is a fast-paced, rewarding position that requires strong organizational, communication, and case management skills. The position may also be cross-trained to provide recruitment and kinship services.

Social Work Realistic Job Preview Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybjt65VnAIg

NOTE:  Trainees, those with Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees in other areas of human services but do not have the required experience, may be considered. Trainee salary is $52,352.31.

Position Duties

• Prepare, assess, and train prospective foster, adoptive, and kinship families through regular visits and consultation
• Provide coaching and supervision to resource (foster/adopt/kinship) families
• Assess, prepare, and place children for adoption using adoption-competent models and transition planning
• Facilitate legal and financial adoption processes, including court reports and adoption assistance documentation
• Provide post-placement and post-adoption support, connecting families to community and clinical services
• Manage case plans, permanency planning reviews, and court documentation for children in DSS legal custody
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and case records
• Participate in adoption selection, treatment team, and permanency planning meetings
• Participate in a weekend and holiday on-call rotation (approx. 2-3 times per year)
• Participate in Office Coverage rotation as scheduled.
• Partner with Foster Care and Adoption Social Workers to identify and explore relative and kinship connections for youth experiencing Foster Care.  

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Other Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Knowledge of social work principles, trauma, and permanency planning
• Strong written, oral, and active listening skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple cases
• Ability to complete legal documents and court reports
• This is considered light to medium work; lifting up to 40 pounds to carry children and belongings.

Preferences:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
• Completion of Training in Adoption Competency (TAC)
• Direct social work experience in child welfare services or similar experiences 
• Persons with bilingual ability (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply