Economic Services Caseworker I/II (FNS)

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. The organization values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to service, offering employees the chance to make a daily difference in public safety, social services, or administration.

Description

Gaston Social Services protects, cares for, and empowers children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves by administering federal, state, and county programs focused on improving well‑being. The Human Services Center and Division of Social Services aim to be professionally responsive to citizens' needs through daily caring outreach and advocacy, while adhering to federal, state, and county operating instructions.

Responsibilities

• Complete Food and Nutrition Services initial policy and procedure training, including classroom, online/remote learning, and peer shadowing.
• Submit work for second‑party review and attain proficiency in the applicable program area.
• Interview Food and Nutrition applicants for social service assistance, record required information, and compute appropriate financial assistance.
• Investigate and verify documents related to a client’s Food and Nutrition application or review; consult supervisory personnel on complex cases.
• Conduct follow‑up evaluations on Food and Nutrition Services clients according to a defined schedule.
• Advise applicants of approval or denial, explain the right of appeal, and outline client responsibilities for continued benefits.
• Read and interpret written policies and procedures applicable to federal, state, and local laws related to public service assistance.
• Be available to work mandatory emergency shelters and perform other duties as assigned.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for the ESC I position is $16.88 – $20.04 per hour. The anticipated hiring range for the ESC II position is $18.56 – $22.04 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate (or equivalent).
• Three years of clerical work with public contact.
• NC Fast Core Certification and Level 1 Core Trainings to be obtained within 90 days of employment.

Additional Information

The selected applicant must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment. Positions that involve working with children require a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI, in accordance with G.S.153A‑94.2(b) and G.S.143B‑1209.26.

Benefits

• Full‑time employees: health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement savings plans; pension 401(k) with 5 % county contribution; flexible work schedules; professional development opportunities; discounted YMCA membership.
• Part‑time employees: pro‑rated sick and annual leave; professional development opportunities; local government retirement plan; employee assistance program.
• Half‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.