Family Support Specialist

Are you a motivated individual with a Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field looking to make a positive difference in your community? Look no further! New Hanover County Social Services is hiring a Family Support Specialist to join the Health and Human Services department. 

This position performs paraprofessional work assisting residents experiencing unexpected emergencies and/or hardship situations by determining eligibility to receive financial assistance and connecting the client with community resources to avoid future crises.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Interviewing clients to understand and assess the situation and its need for services.
• Utilizing agency tools to determine eligibility for assistance and connect the client to community resources.
• Coordinating needed support services and makes referrals to community resources.
• Educating clients on community and service resources, serving as an advocate to represent the client's interests. 
• Maintaining case documentation and reports; entering data accurately into computer systems to include the NC Fast system.
• Participating in continuing education activities by attending workshops and seminars.
• Gathering and reviewing household income, financial resources, and residency data resulting in authorizing amounts of assistance for programs.
• Reviewing declaration forms and other application forms; verifies this information through telephone calls and correspondence with employers and other similar contacts. 
• Explaining program requirements and options, informs client of rights and responsibilities as prescribed by program policies.
• Responding to inquiries from clients and citizens regarding benefits, application process, and/or program eligibility.

The Department of Social Services is a part of New Hanover County's consolidated Health and Human services agency, with roughly 500 dedicated professionals seeking to serve the citizens of our county through providing essential human services. The Department is a part of a dynamic, professional county organization with a clear vision as a vibrant, prosperous, diverse coastal community, committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come.  Ideal candidates for the Department of Social Services have excellent customer service, organizational and computer skills, the ability to problem solve and make critical decisions and above all, an overwhelming desire to serve the citizens of our county.   

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, equity, innovation, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, and supports equitable and inclusive policies and growth opportunities. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change in the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.  

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. 
On a rotating schedule, certain Tuesdays will be a 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM schedule.  
Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $51,111 to $69,000.  The full salary range for an incumbent hired into this position is $51,111 to $86,889.  Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and budget. In limited situations, candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for a starting salary above the target hiring range, but not to exceed the maximum of the salary range.

Candidates validated as bilingual by the County’s Language Access Coordinator are eligible for a pay differential when performing bilingual duties during scheduled work hours, in accordance with County policy.

 New Hanover County offers:   

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work; 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options; 
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives; 
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.    

Required Education and Experience:   

An equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, training, and experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the functions of the role and successfully perform the essential duties, equivalent to 4 years.  Examples of equivalent combinations include but are not limited to a Bachelors degree, or an Associates degree and 2 years of experience, or a High school diploma/GED and 4 experience in a similar role performing similar experience.

 What will make your application stand out:    

• Prior experience performing case management and working in the NC FAST system.
• Knowledge of programs and services offered locally.
• Prior experience interviewing clients, determining eligibility, and administering/monitoring services.
• Experience with the Crisis Intervention Program, as well as similar programs like the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP).
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

None requiredNext Steps:
After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.