Economic Services Caseworker I/II

Gaston Social Services protects, cares for, and empowers children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administration of federal, state, and county programs focused on improving the well-being of our citizens. The goal of the Gaston County Human Services Center and Division of Social Services is to foster an agency that is professionally responsive to citizens' needs through daily caring outreach while serving as an advocate for those in need. We strive to be community-minded and community-spirited, abiding by federal, state, and county operating instructions to provide services and assist welfare recipients in attaining self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities

• Completes initial policy and procedure training in an eligibility program that includes classroom learning, online/remote learning, and peer shadowing.
• Submits work for second-party review and attains proficiency in the applicable program area.
• Interviews applicants for social service assistance, records information on required forms, and makes computations to determine appropriate financial assistance.
• Investigates and verifies documents related to a client's application; consults with supervisory personnel on complex cases or actions.
• Conducts follow-up evaluations on clients according to a defined time and case management schedule.
• Advises applicants of approval or denial of benefits or services; provides explanations of the right of appeal and client responsibilities for continued benefits or services.
• Reads and interprets written policies and procedures applicable to federal, state, and local laws related to public service assistance.
• Available to work mandatory emergency shelters and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduate.
• Three years of clerical work with public contact.
• NC Fast Core Certification and Level 1 Core Trainings within 90 days of employment.

The selected applicant must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment. In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2 (b), if the position requires working with children, the County must require the applicant to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI.

Pay

• ESC I position: $16.88 - $20.04 per hour.
• ESC II position: $18.56 - $22.04 per hour.