Community Social Services Assistant

Job Title

Gaston 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.

Examples of Duties

An hourly salary range of $15.48 - $18.38 is anticipated for this position. The 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.

• Providing transportation, facilitation, and monitoring of visits between foster children and parents or caretakers, observing interactions, intervening when inappropriate behaviors occur, and modeling appropriate parenting and disciplinary techniques.
• Providing transportation, assistance, scheduling, and accompaniment of parents and/or foster children to mental health appointments, domestic violence counseling, substance abuse counseling or treatment, medical and dental appointments, pharmacies, parenting classes, educational facilities, drug testing, seeking employment, locating housing, and other appointments, as necessary.
• Assist with placement changes for foster children by transporting, consoling, and accompanying children to their new placement.
• Provision of in-home aide services (through teaching, modeling, coaching, reinforcement, and encouragement) to parents or caretakers of children, including budgeting, housekeeping, personal hygiene, meal planning and food preparation, comparison shopping, parenting skills, behavior management, disciplinary techniques, employment seeking, connecting with educational/vocational training.
• Maintaining documentation, case files, and appropriate forms, including daily case notes and daysheets, and updating quarterly and yearly review forms.
• Conducting home visits to monitor compliance and progress (with in-home aide services and plan).
• Appearing in court to provide reports and/or testimony, as needed.
• Must be available to work mandatory emergency shelters & other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1 year of experience working with children
• Valid NC driver's license

Additional Information

The applicant selected 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 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.

Benefits

Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:

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

Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:

• Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Local Government Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits. To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our Employee Benefits Guide. 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.