Social Worker (Independent Contractor)
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Job Location:
Cleveland County, NC - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
6 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Agency
Indigent Defense ServicesDivision
PARENT REPRESENATAION DEFENDERJob Classification Title
Social Worker (NS)Position Number
Grade
NC11About Us
DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day North Carolinas courts help provide safety for our communities prosperity for our economy and protection for the rights liberties and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor denial or delay.
Description of Work
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
The Office of the Parent Defender (OPD) invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Interdisciplinary Parent Representation Program (IPRP) Contract Social Worker.
OPD is a state-wide office within Indigent Defense Services that was created to assist attorneys representing parents in abuse neglect and dependency (A/N/D) cases.
In OPDs Interdisciplinary Parent Representation (IPR) Program contract social workers are paired with parent attorneys to provide legal representation to parents involved in an A/N/D case. Social workers help promote parent engagement understanding of the child welfare process and connection to services tailored to the individual needs of the parent. With this program North Carolina seeks to enhance parent representation reduce time in foster care and achieve permanency faster.
The IPR contract social workers are part of the attorneys legal team as a Nonlawyer Assistant under Rule 5.3 of the North Carolina Rules of Professional and report directly to the assigned attorney on the case. Additionally the contract social workers are provided with program support by the IPR Program Manager an employee of OPD.
Part-time and full-time contract positions are available. Full-time contractors are expected to bill a maximum of 40 hours per week. Contractors are paid $50 per hour and will be allowed to bill for mileage and other allowable expenses. Contractors are not agents or employees of the State of North Carolina and perform their duties solely as independent contractors.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Communicate with the attorney on an ongoing basis
- Facilitate and encourage parent engagement in their case
- Communicate with parents support system
- Help find court-ordered services and other resources
- Advocate for and support parents at meetings
- Prepare parent for successful visitation/family time
- Collaborate with community and state agencies to help parents achieve their goals
- Perform other duties as requested by the attorney
- Submit timely and accurate monthly billing and data reports to OPD
- Attend meetings and trainings required by the IPR Program Manager
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience. If that language appears below then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
- Masters degree (MSW) from social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and one (1) year of social work experience or
- Bachelors degree (BSW) from social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and two (2) years of social work or counseling experience or
- Bachelors degree in human services field or related curriculum and three (3) years social work or counseling experience
- Valid drivers license proof of insurance and access to a working vehicle
- A smart phone and laptop
- Professional liability insurance
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
OPD prefers:
- Knowledge of the North Carolina child welfare system including policy practice and agency operations
- Clinical understanding of mental health substance abuse domestic violence and family systems
- Excellent advocacy communication and clinical skills
- Commitment to social justice
- Demonstrated ability to work on a multidisciplinary team
- Self-directed organizational and time management skills
- Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with a variety of stakeholders
- Ability to travel
HOW TO APPLY:
***DO NOT APPLY THROUGH THE ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS.***
Candidates should submit a cover letter a résumé and a list of three professional references to Sharice Zachary MSW Interdisciplinary Representation Program Manager by close of business May 11 2026. Please indicate the county of interest on the cover letter. Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Successful applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Job Location: Cleveland and Lincoln County
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination harassment or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs observances and practices.
Recruiter:
Travis Edward DavisEmail:
Required Experience:
Contract
