Social Worker III (Foster Care/Licensing)

Salary: See Position DescriptionLocation : Gaston County Department of Social Services, NCJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 3048-FCLDepartment: SOCIAL SERVICESOpening Date: 02/16/2026FLSA: Non-ExemptJoining 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.DescriptionGaston Social Services: Protecting, caring for and empowering children and adults who are temporarily or permanently unable to care for themselves through the administrating of federal, state and county programs focused on improving the well-being of our citizens.An hourly salary range of $27.45 - $31.91 is anticipated for this position.Examples of DutiesThe duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.Provision of initial (MAPP) training in a classroom setting or Deciding Together training in a home setting to prospective foster and adoptive parents in order to educate them on the needs of foster and adoptive children. Additional training is also provided for licensed foster homes and approved adoptive homes.Seeking licensure of family foster homes through training, information gathering, performing background checks, and completion of state required paperwork including the Mutual Home Assessment in order to provide a safe and secure placement for a child in foster care.Securing a safe and stable placement for a child in the foster care or adoption system. Matches are made by assessing the needs of the child and the strengths of the foster/adoptive parents in order to make the placement that would be in a child's best interest.Facilitation of Shared Parenting Meetings on initial placement and any moves, attending court hearings and team meetings, attending local training for job enhancement, completing documentation in case records as well as monthly reports, participation in unit/team staffing's.Provision of other program requirements (i.e. on call for foster care placements, etc.).Minimum QualificationsA. Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate school.B. Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work with a Child Welfare Collaborative (CPS positions only)C. Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and one year of experience in the areas of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psychosocial therapy, or treatment planning;D. A four-year degree in human services field with at least 25 semester hours of approved coursework and two years of experience in a related areaE. A four-year degree and three years of related experience.A valid driver's license is required. The ideal candidate will have good communication skills in working children & adolescents, and appropriate child development knowledge. Knowledge of separation and loss impact for children being removed from their family and home environment would be especially helpful.A copy of a transcript must be included with the application. FAILURE TO ATTACH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING REJECTED.Additional InformationThe applicant selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.In compliance with G.S.153A-94.2 (b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. 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.At Gaston County, we are 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.Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.At Gaston County, we are 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.Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.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 InsuranceLife InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountsRetirement Savings PlansPension401K (with 5% county contribution annually)Flexible Work SchedulesProfessional Development OpportunitiesDiscounted YMCA Membership To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.01How many years of Social Work experience do you have?02Have you attached a copy of your college transcripts as required? Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.YesNo