Human Services Caseworker

Position InformationThis posting is a re-advertisement. Candidates who have previously applied are still under consideration and do not need to reapply.The New Hanover County Department of Social Services is seeking experienced, detail-oriented, and customer friendly professionals to aid citizens in 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, 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.Living In New Hanover County, NCNew 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.* * * *Hours8:00 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 InformationThe 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 OffersEmployer 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 at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.QualificationsRequired Education and Experience: Knowledge, skills, education, and experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the functions of the role and successfully perform the essential duties including using a computer for researching, searching, and entering data, normally associated with a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and two (2) years of related experience providing customer service in a setting with a high level of public contact.What Will Make Your Application Stand OutPrevious 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-determinationPriority 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/CertificationsSome positions may require a valid driver's license and good driving record.Other InformationOpportunity To Telework On a Partial BasisCertain 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.Applicant InformationThis job is posted continuously with a priority date of Friday, May 10th. Applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.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.In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to includeEmployer 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 here.Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers 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. 01Have you participated in the Social Services Case Worker Workforce Readiness program through Cape Fear Community College?YesNo02If you indicated in the previous question that you have participated in the Workforce Readiness program, select the course(s) you have completed.Human Services ExplorationIncome Maintenance Caseworker - NC FastNone of the above03If 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.04Select your highest level of education from the information below:Bachelor's Degree or above in the Human Services fieldBachelor's Degree or above in a field outside of the Human Services fieldAssociate Degree in a field related to Human ServicesAssociate Degree in a field unrelated to Human ServicesHigh School Diploma or GEDNone of the above05Please 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 experienceLess than 1 year of experience1 year but less than 2 years of experience2 years but less than 3 years of experience3 years but less than 4 years of experience4 years but less than 5 years of experience5 or more years of experience06If 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 servicesFood & Nutrition ServicesAdult MedicaidFamily & Children's MedicaidWork First ServicesChildcare AssistanceLong Term CareProgram Integrity07How 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 ExperienceLess than 1 year of experience1 year but less than 2 years of experience2 years but less than 3 years of experience3 years or more of experience08Do you have previous or current experience in working with low-income families?YesNo09DutiesIf 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:10Please indicate experience working with the following computer programs. (Check all that apply)NC FASTNorthwoods/CompassOneCaseMS WordMS ExcelMS PowerPointMS OutlookLaserfiche11Please indicate the industries and settings in which you have work experience.BankingLegal officePrivate sector office settingMedical office settingGovernment/Public sector officeNon profit office settingCall centerOtherNursing Home or Long Term Care Facility12Do 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?YesNo13Potential 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 onlyZone 3 - Long Term Care Unit opportunities onlyBoth Zone 1 or Zone 3 opportunities14Are you interested in working a telework position if one is available?YesNo Required Question