Guardianship Social Worker III

Catawba County Social Services is seeking a dedicated Guardianship Social Worker III who is passionate about providing services to adults deemed incompetent and in need of a guardian to advocate for services that meet their needs. This position provides support and comprehensive, person-centered assessments and services that help adults live as independently as possible. The guardianship social worker collaborates with families, guardian ad litems, court partners, and community and in-agency partners to ensure adults are cared for and linked to services. This position provides legal guardianship services, court-ordered evaluations, monitoring, and advocacy for clients, along with case management, guardianship assessments, and limited In-Home Aide Level I case management.

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 starts at $56,616.46.

• Provide guardianship case management, including treatment team meetings, quarterly client visits, assessments, and service plans
• Collaborate with Managed Care Organizations, medical/mental health providers, Social Security Administration, facilities, and community agencies to coordinate client services
• Assist clients with residential services, day supports, Medicaid, food assistance, subsidized housing, and other benefit programs
• Assist with housing/facility placements and transitions, including physical assistance with moves
• Support medical decision-making, including consenting to procedures, DNR orders, and palliative/hospice care
• Prepare annual court-mandated status reports and maintain ongoing case documentation
• Continually assess appropriateness of guardianship versus less restrictive alternatives
• Monitor Medicaid Administrative Claiming billing and oversee medical, dental, and mental health care
• Provide representative payee services as needed
• Conduct guardianship assessments and prepare legal documentation to petition for guardianship
• Participate in court hearings related to incompetency, restoration, and guardianship modifications
• Provide case management for In-Home Aide Level I clients in coordination with the Community Social Services Technician 
• Participate in weekly Adult Services intake rotation and after-hours/weekend on-call duties
• Participate in trainings and networking to identify new services, placements, and resources

• 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

• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (driving is an essential function of this position)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advocate effectively for clients under guardianship
• Knowledge of and experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities
• Knowledge of medications and DSM-5
• Ability to gather and analyze information, solve problems, and participate in complex decision-making
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and remain flexible in handling crises and unplanned events
• Knowledge of guardianship fundamentals, community resources, placement options, and funding sources
• Skill in networking and resource development
• Resilience and persistence in challenging advocacy situations
• Ability to travel extensively for client visits and occasionally lift or move items over 50 pounds
• Willingness to participate in on-call rotation and weekend/evening duties as required
• This position requires lifting up to 50 pounds to move client’s belongings.

• Prior experience with guardianship processes, adult protective services, or case management for individuals with mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities