Social Worker III - Guardianship

About the role

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service. As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing guardianship case management to adults adjudicated incompetent and assigned to the DHHS Director by conducting monthly and as-needed contacts with wards and facility staff, traveling to visit wards residing in home, assisted living, nursing home, group home, or out-of-county placements, and coordinating services and supports to monitor condition, identify changes requiring intervention, and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of each ward in accordance with NC General Statute 35A and the Provision of Services Manual.
• Collaborate with facility staff, medical providers, mental health professionals, and other service providers by attending care plan meetings and medical appointments, advocating for needed services, and following up to ensure services are received and the ward's needs are met.
• Obtain and evaluate information regarding recommended treatments and procedures for wards — including invasive and non-invasive procedures, surgeries, DNR orders, life-prolonging measures, and hospice — by exploring treatment options and risks, informing wards and family members of medical conditions, and compiling medical decision packets for presentation to the DHHS Director for authorization in accordance with established standards of practice.
• Cook up placement changes, financial matters, and benefit administration for wards by arranging transitions and providing adjustment support, processing financial mail, applying for Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans, and Social Security benefits, maintaining records of identification and insurance documents, and collaborating with Guardians of Estate and representative payees to ensure financial needs are met.
• Assess adults referred for guardianship services by evaluating capacity, available supports, and risk factors; initiating court proceedings as appropriate; and petitioning for hearings of incompetency and guardianship to ensure the most appropriate legal protection is established in accordance with NC GS 35A.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, timely documentation by completing case narratives, service plans, quarterly and annual reports, status reports, and required Clerk of Court filings to ensure compliance with NCDAAS policy, legal standards, and agency expectations.
• Provide after-hours coverage on a rotating basis to respond to status changes of wards during nights, weekends, and holidays, and assist with emergency shelter operations and other duties as assigned to support departmental needs.

Requirements

• MSW from an accredited school of social work.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college/university and two years of directly related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university and three years of directly related experience.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications for this position include:
  • An MSW from an accredited school of social work.
  • A bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college/university and two years of directly related experience.
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university and three years of directly related experience.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of NC General Statute 35A and the Provision of Services Manual.

Benefits

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing our full-time employees with a comprehensive total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, a range of benefits, and incentives. A few key components of our total compensation package include:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Retail Savings Plans.
• Pension 401K (with 5% county contribution annually).
• Flexible Work Schedules.
• Professional Development Opportunities.
• Discounted YMCA Membership.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $27.45 to $31.91 per hour.

Schedule

Flexible work schedules are available.

Additional Information

Gaston County is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Required Question

• 01 Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED).
  • Associate degree.
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Masters degree.
  • Professional degree.
  • Doctorate degree.
• 02 Do you possess a MSW from an accredited university?
  • Yes.
  • No.
• 03 Do you possess a BSW from an accredited university?
  • Yes.
  • No.
• 04 If You Do Not Have a BSW Or MSW, Please Select The Type Of Major That You Possess From The Following List:
  • Counseling and Guidance.
  • Rehabilitation Counseling.
  • Sociology.
  • Psychology.
  • Counseling Psychology.
  • Family Studies.
  • Criminal Justice.
  • Therapeutic Recreation.
  • Special Education.
  • Child Development and Family Relations.
  • Other.
• 05 If your major was not listed, please list the major you possess:
  • Enter your major here.
• 06 Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes.
  • No.
• 07 Have you attached a copy of your college transcripts as required?
  • Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.
  • Yes.
  • No.