Salary: See Position DescriptionLocation : New Hanover County, NCJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 202400021Department: SOCIAL SERVICESOpening Date: 01/19/2024Closing Date: ContinuousPosition InformationThis is a continuous posting.The New Hanover County Department of Social Services is seeking experienced, detail-oriented, and customer friendly professionals to aid citizensin need of economic assistance in the role of a Human Services Caseworker. Caseworkers are responsible for interviewing clients and collateral contacts using various complex automated systems, explaining the requirements and benefits of all Medicaid programs, Food and Nutrition Services, Child Care subsidy, Work First Family Assistance, Long Term Care and the Federal Marketplace to determine eligibility and/or re-eligibility for the various programs. Duties include researching and evaluating resources; verifying information; processing applications; compiling and entering data into appropriate computer database, including the NC Fast system; explaining and recommending programs; referring clients to other appropriate agencies or community programs and documenting findings and the status of the case. Caseworkers may be assigned to work in any of the following program areas: Zone 1 Opportunities include Food and Nutrition Services, Family and Children's Medicaid, Adult Medicaid, Work First - Family Assistance, Daycare Services, and the Customer Experience Team (CET), which assists in multiple programs. Zone 3 Opportunities are assigned to the Long Term Care Unit.******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. Living in New Hanover County, NC: New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth. Hours: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 assignments during emergency situations.Salary Information:The hiring range for Zone 1 opportunities begins at $44,152. Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations. Those selected for hire in the Long Term Care unit are Zone 3 Caseworkers. The hiring range for these positions begins at $46,841,due to the complexity of this program area. Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations. Bilingual candidates are eligible for a differential (5%) when performing Spanish language interpretation during the course of work.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 atwww.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work. QualificationsRequired Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- Two (2) years of related experience providing customer service in a setting with a high level of public contact and using a computer for researching, searching, and entering data
What will make your application stand out:
- Previous experience as an Income Maintenance, Economic Services, or Universal Caseworker in a department of Social Services.
- Previous experience interviewing clients or families
- Excellent computer skills sufficient to use NC FAST, NC's online case management system, as well as various other search engines and software programs
- Ability to utilize complex automated systems and have knowledge of policies and procedures related to eligibility, determination, and re-determination
Priority consideration will be given to candidates who have completed the Social Services Case Worker Workforce Readiness program through Cape Fear Community College. All incoming Human Services Caseworkers must successfully obtain NC Fast Core Functions and assigned Program Area Level 1 Certifications within their first 90 days of employment with the county. Licenses/Certifications Some positions may require a valid driver's license and good driving record. Other InformationOpportunity to Telework on a Partial Basis:Certain casework positions hold the opportunity for full or partial telework. Employees must complete an in office 6-month introductory period before being considered for full or partial telework. When a full or partial telework position becomes available, time spent with department and proven track record will be taken into consideration to determine who is granted full or partial telework. As with all telework opportunities, certain meetings or trainings will require the employee to come into the office. The ideal candidate for a telework position is a self-starter with strong written and verbal skills and solid proficiency in using modern office technology to perform work duties.Important Applicant Information:This is a continuous posting that will be open to receive applications throughout the year. As vacancies occur at various times throughout the year, the applications in the pool will be screened and considered for referral. Applications will be active for a period of 90 days. You must submit a new application every 90 days to keep your application actively under consideration for opportunities that arise.Candidates referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. Updates regarding your application can be viewed through your applicant portal. If you have had an interview and would like to inquire about the status of your interview, please contact the hiring manager that you interviewed with.New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to include
- Employer paid 401k deferred compensation contributions (5% for sworn law enforcement and 2.5% for all other benefits eligible positions);
- Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
- 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, vision insurance + many other insurance options;
- Employee assistance program;
- 100% employer paid long term disability;
- Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center which includes a nurse practitioner and physical therapist;
- Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
- Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
- And so much more!
Benefit options for eligible positions include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, flexible spending accounts, voluntary term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness policies. Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, including our benefit rates, please click Please check out our careers page at for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work. Note: All positions listed as temporary, casual part time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits. Part-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits. 01 Have you participated in the Social Services Case Worker Workforce Readiness program through Cape Fear Community College?
02 If you indicated in the previous question that you have participated in the Workforce Readiness program, select the course(s) you have completed.
- Human Services Exploration
- Income Maintenance Caseworker - NC Fast
- None of the above
03 If you indicated that you have completed the Caseworker Workforce Readiness classes through Cape Fear Community College, please enter the date that you completed these classes. 04 Select your highest level of education from the information below:
- Bachelor's Degree or above in the Human Services field
- Bachelor's Degree or above in a field outside of the Human Services field
- Associate Degree in a field related to Human Services
- Associate Degree in a field unrelated to Human Services
- High School Diploma or GED
- None of the above
05 Please indicate your years of experience working as an economic services or universal caseworker in a Department of Social Services. (Please note: this experience must be listed in the work experience section of your application)
- No experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- 1 year but less than 2 years of experience
- 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
- 3 years but less than 4 years of experience
- 4 years but less than 5 years of experience
- 5 or more years of experience
06 If you indicated in the previous question that you have experience as a caseworker, please check the program areas in which you have experience with in a department of social services
- Food & Nutrition Services
- Adult Medicaid
- Family & Children's Medicaid
- Work First Services
- Childcare Assistance
- Long Term Care
- Program Integrity
07 How many years of experience do you have providing customer service in a setting with a high level of public contact, such as interviewing clients or families?
- No Experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- 1 year but less than 2 years of experience
- 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
- 3 years or more of experience
08 Do you have previous or current experience in working with low-income families?
09 If you indicated above that you have experience working with low income families, please tell us where this is experience was and how it is related to the duties of this position: 10 Please indicate experience working with the following computer programs. (Check all that apply)
- NC FAST
- Northwoods/Compass
- OneCase
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
- MS Outlook
- Laserfiche
11 Please indicate the industries and settings in which you have work experience.
- Banking
- Legal office
- Private sector office setting
- Medical office setting
- Government/Public sector office
- Non profit office setting
- Call center
- Other
- Nursing Home or Long Term Care Facility
12 Do you understand that for this position, you will be required to work in office for the first 6 months of employment; after this time, availability for a hybrid telework position will be determined on a case-by-case basis?
13 Potential Caseworkers may be assigned to work in any area. Zone 1 Caseworker are assigned to either Food and Nutrition Services, Family and Children's Medicaid, Adult Medicaid, Work First - Family Assistance, Daycare services, or the Customer Experience Team. Zone 3 Caseworkers are assigned to work in the Long Term Care unit.Please indicate which units you are interested in being considered for.
- Zone 1 opportunities only
- Zone 3 - Long Term Care Unit opportunities only
- Both Zone 1 or Zone 3 opportunities
14 Are you interested in working a telework position if one is available?
Required Question