Social Worker (Guardianship Social Worker in Adult Services)

Position Information

Are you a motivated Social Work professional with experience in adult protective services? New Hanover County is seeking a Guardianship Social Worker to join the Adult Services section of the Social Services department. This position will manage a case load of 25-30 Guardianship cases. This will include regular visits to nursing homes, assisted care homes, group homes and the community to regularly assess the needs of clients that the County has been appointed to be Guardian of the Person for. Quarterly and Annual reviews will be done to assess needs and case plans will be created and implemented to assure said needs are met. Court documents will be created to relay the status of clients to the Clerk of Court as well as our efforts at restoration, Limited Guardianship and transition to appropriate friends/family Guardians. Guardianship Social Workers will work to communicate with facilities, families and menial/medical health providers to ensure care coordination occurs and adjust to the client's ever-changing needs.

New Hanover County's Consolidated Human Services Agency is a single county agency that provides any combination of Public Health and Social Services throughout the county. The Social Services department is comprised of a team of 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.

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Hours: Expected hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations.

Salary Information:
The hiring range for this position starts at $60.943.00 . Salary will be determined based on qualifications. Bilingual candidates are eligible for a differential (5%) when performing Spanish language interpretation during the course of work.

Trainee Opportunities:
Applicants who meet the required minimum education but lack the required social work experience may be considered, and if hired, will be paid at least the minimum trainee rate of $56,351 and will remain at a trainee rate until the minimum experience qualifications are met. Priority consideration for trainee applicants will be given to those applicants who have completed the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative Program and to those possessing a BSW or MSW. The maximum period for an employee to remain in a trainee status is two (2) years. All experience requirements must be met within two (2) years of employment.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer 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 for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• MSW from an accredited school;

• OR BSW from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of related social work experience;

• OR a four-year degree in a human services field with at least 15 semester hours in courses related to social work and 2 years of related social work experience;

• OR a four-year degree and 3 years of related social work experience.

Must have valid Driver's license, good driving record, and own transportation.

Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

Note: Applicants who only have economic services caseworker or Probation/Parole Officer experience to count as social work experience, must have a minimum of two years of experience in order to be considered as a trainee. Experience counts as equivalent to social work experience for one half the time up to one year maximum. For example, one year of experience equals six months of social work experience; two years of experience equals one year of social work experience; and ten years of experience equals one year of social worker experience.

Licenses/Certifications

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid NC Driver's License.

Other Information

Application Status:

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. Please be sure to check your email for this communication so we may proceed with the next step in the recruitment process in a timely manner . All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal
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.