Social Worker (BSW)
Senior Social Worker (MSW)
We Need Caring Social Workers Like You..
DHR needs social workers for areas all over Alabama. These positions are
classified as Social Worker and Senior Social Worker. DHR social workers
assess child abuse and neglect. DHR social workers develop social
service plans for children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, children
living in foster care, and children who are awaiting adoption. DHR
social workers assess the need and delivery of social services, provide
immediate crisis intervention, and arrange needed services. DHR social
workers also prepare written reports and assessments about their work.
The State of Alabama Department of Human Resources employs social work
staff for all 67 counties. (See map of counties) Each county provides
the following services that include social work employees.
Child Abuse & Neglect Assessment
Child abuse and neglect (CA/N) assessment social workers interview
children who may have experienced abuse or neglect. CA/N assessment
social workers also interview parents, caregivers, professionals, and
others who are concerned with the treatment of the child. In accordance
with Alabama policy, the social worker and CA/N assessment supervisor
determine the validity of the child abuse/neglect report.
Foster Care
Currently in Alabama, there are over five thousand children in foster
care. Some need foster care for a matter of days. Others may need foster
care until they are reunited with their biological family or a plan is
made for them to be adopted. All of these children share the need for a
caring and committed family that can bring them the future they deserve.
DHR Foster Care Social Workers facilitate plans to achieve permanency
for children living in foster care. Permanency is achieved when a child
has a safe home environment in which to grow to adulthood. This home
environment can be achieved through reunification with the child’s
family or adoption. Foster care social workers also help to prepare
teenagers in foster care for living independently as an adult.
Ongoing Services
Social workers in the area of protective services assist families who
are at risk of abusing or neglecting their children. Social workers in
protective services partner with the family, the family’s support
network, and community service providers to identify strengths and needs
of the family and alleviate concerns regarding the children’s safety.
Resources
Social workers specializing in the area of resources are responsible for
the recruitment, preparation and approval of foster and adoptive
parents. Resource social workers also work in conjunction with attorneys
and judges to finalize the legal aspects of adoption.