Special Assistance In-Home Social Worker

The New Hanover County Department of Social Services is seeking a Special Assistance In-Home Aid Social  Worker to support adults with disabilities and help them remain safely and independently in their homes. This position provides case management for eligible recipients of Special Assistance (SA) In-Home financial assistance by connecting clients and families with services, resources, and community support.

• Conduct initial client assessments and identify individual strengths, needs, and support services.

• Develop service plans that promote client safety, independence, and well-being.

• Assist adults with disabilities and their families in accessing programs and services that provide protection and support.

• Assess clients’ capacity to make decisions about their lives and determine when a surrogate decision-maker may be needed.

• Coordinate services with community agencies and service providers.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

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, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on 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.  

The target hiring range for this position is $60,943.00 - $80,764.50.  The full salary range for an incumbent hired into this position is $60,943 to $100,586.00. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and budget. Candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience 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!

Minimum Qualifications:

• MSW from an accredited school;

• OR BSW from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of related social work experience; 

• OR a four-year degree in a human services field with at least 15 semester hours in courses related to social work and 2 years of related social work experience;

• OR a four-year degree in a field outside of human services and 3 years of related social work experience;

• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application. 
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize workload and maintain administrative duties while balancing field work
• Identify and assess risk, address safety issues, & problem-solve with families to create solutions
• Ability to make connections with families and support family-centered principles 
• Ability to make decisions without regard to that personal prejudices, biases, and experiences and respect the value of individual differences at all levels of the organization
• Ability to think critically during conflict and high-stress situations and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with peers, colleagues, managers, providers, the community and other professionals
• Thorough knowledge of agency procedures and resources, community systems and resources, manual material, state and federal regulations, permanency planning philosophy, and laws governing protective services for children.
• Knowledge of basic criminal justice procedures, elements of medical and mental disorders, personality theory, family systems dynamics, interpersonal relations, and cultural differences, values and lifestyles.
• Firmly adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles
• Ability to navigate technology and quickly learn new and complex systems.