Employment Opportunities

How to apply?
For Department of Social Services positions, please submit a detailed PD-107  and PD-107A  State Application Form. If you have a degree, please send a college transcript. If you have submitted an application within the past six months, your application on file will be considered. 

For information about job opportunities at Rutherford County DSS contact Kayla Fox at 828-287-6283 

A State Application, PD-107 and PD-107A, must be submitted by 5 pm on the closing date to:

PO Box 242
389 Fairground Road
Spindale, NC 28160
Phone 828 287-6283 
Attn: Kayla Fox
FAX to: 828-288-3406
Email: Kayla.Fox@RutherfordCountyNC.Gov

Rutherford County provides eligible employees with a competitive benefits package including paid health and dental insurance, paid holidays, and other optional benefits.

If you are interested in the position and possess the basic requirements for the position as stated, please submit a PD-107 State Application Form. If you have applied within the last six months, your application will be considered.

Rutherford County DSS is not responsible for failure to receive faxed applications. Please take a moment to ensure your transmission was received.

Employee may be called upon in case of disaster, either natural or man-made, to serve the citizens of Rutherford County. This service, if required, will take precedence over duties described in this position vacancy announcement.

Selection Process will include a structured interview. Applications will be reviewed; structured interview evaluations will be studied; educational and work experience histories will be considered. After careful evaluation of the above-mentioned criteria, the appointing authority will appoint the applicant who in the judgement of the appointing authority is best suited for the position.
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INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER II 
Position Number:   5310008, 5310067, 5310078, 5310123, & 5310124
Annual Salary:  $37,136
Posting Date:  September 20, 2023
Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Position Responsibilities:
The primary purpose of this position is to provide maintenance of a public assistance caseload, including determining eligibility, processing applications, and conducting reviews and actions to effect reported changes in situations.  Major position activities include interviewing, eligibility determination, and record maintenance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of the program/areas of assignment.  General knowledge of all agency and community programs and services which could affect the client/applicant.  Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills.  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret rules, regulations and procedures.  Ability to communicate with clients/applicants, the public at large, and public officials to obtain data, and to explain and interpret rules, regulations and procedures.  Ability to perform caseworker functions within structured time frames. 

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:
One year of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 
Work Against Appointment will be considered.  Minimum Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited associate degree program in Human Services Technology, Social Services Associate, Paralegal Technology, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum; or graduation from high school and two years of paraprofessional, clerical, or other public contact experience which included negotiating, interviewing, explaining information, gathering and compiling of data, analysis of data and/or performance of mathematical or legal tasks with at least one year of such experience being in an income maintenance program; or graduation from high school and three years of paraprofessional, clerical or other public contact experience which included negotiating, interviewing, explaining information, the gathering and compiling of data, the analysis of data and/or the performance of mathematical or legal tasks; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.   

SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process will include a structured interview.  Applications will be reviewed; structured interview evaluations will be studied; educational and work experience histories will be considered.  After careful evaluation of the above-mentioned criteria, the appointing authority will appoint the applicant who in the judgment of the appointing authority is best suited for the position. 

If you are interested in the position and possess the basic requirements for the position as stated above, please submit a PD-107, State Application Form.  If you have applied within the last six months, your application will be considered.    

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INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER III - Medicaid Unit
Position Number: 5310146
Annual Salary:  $40,631
Posting Date:  September 20, 2023
Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Position Responsibilities
The primary purpose of the Lead IM Caseworker is to function in a lead work role for the Family and Children’s Medicaid unit.   This position acts as a backup for various programs for applications and changes. This worker will also perform intense quality control checks in each of the program areas. This position will be given projects and high level assignments that will require more expertise and responsibility. Extensive policy knowledge is required in at least one program area and preference will be given to applicants with policy knowledge in F&C Medicaid. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Considerable knowledge of the state NC Fast system
• Considerable knowledge of the program/areas of assignment
• Considerable knowledge of multiple policies and NC Fast procedures
• General knowledge of all agency and community programs and services which could affect the client/applicant
• Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret rules, regulations, and procedures independently and good training skills
• Ability to communicate with clients/applicants, the public at large, and public officials to obtain data, and to explain and interpret rules, regulations and procedures
• Ability to perform caseworker functions within structured time frames

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Two years of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 
Work Against Appointment will be considered. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Graduation from an accredited associate degree program in Human Services Technology, Social Services Associate, Paralegal Technology, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum; or graduation from high school and two years of paraprofessional, clerical, or other public contact experience which included negotiating, interviewing, explaining information, gathering and compiling of data, analysis of data and/or performance of mathematical or legal tasks with at least one year of such experience being in an income maintenance program; or graduation from high school and three years of paraprofessional, clerical or other public contact experience which included negotiating, interviewing, explaining information, the gathering and compiling of data, the analysis of data and/or the performance of mathematical or legal tasks; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Selection Process
The selection process will include a structured interview.  Applications will be reviewed; structured interview evaluations will be studied; educational and work experience histories will be considered.  After careful evaluation of the above-mentioned criteria, the appointing authority will appoint the applicant, who in the judgment of the appointing authority, is best suited for the position.

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INCOME MAINTENANCE CASEWORKER I - Time Limited Position - Food & Nutrition Services
Position Number: 5310103 
Annual Salary:  $33,941
Posting Date:  August 9, 2023
Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Position Responsibilities
The person in this position will be responsible for a minimal amount of eligibility determination and assisting the Income Maintenance Caseworkers by gathering information to determine eligibility for the Income Maintenance programs.  This position will also fill in to assist clients at the receptionist’s window.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills.
• Excellent computer skills and preferably a background in DSS programs

• Ability to communicate with clients, applicants, and the public to obtain data, and to explain rules and procedures 
• Ability to understand the needs and problems of clients/applicants.
•  Learn the program area of assignment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Graduation from an accredited associate degree program in Human Services Technology, Social Services Associate, Paralegal Technology, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum; or graduation from high school and two years of paraprofessional, clerical, or other public contact experience which included negotiating, interviewing, explaining information, gathering and compiling of data, analysis of data and/or performance of mathematical or legal tasks with at least one year of such experience being in an income maintenance program; or graduation from high school and three years of paraprofessional, clerical or other public contact experience which included negotiating, interviewing, explaining information, the gathering and compiling of data, the analysis of data and/or the performance of mathematical or legal tasks; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

The selection process will include a structured interview.  Applications will be reviewed; structured interview evaluations will be studied; educational and work experience histories will be considered.  After careful evaluation of the above-mentioned criteria the appointing authority will appoint the applicant who in the judgment of the appointing authority is best suited for the position.

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SOCIAL WORKER III - FOSTER CARE
Position Number: 5310096, 5310112, 5310025, & 5310030 
Annual Salary:  $48,639
Posting Date:  September 26, 2023
Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Position Responsibilities
The primary purpose of this position is to provide intensive casework services to children for whom the Agency has legal custody or placement responsibility.  These children reside in foster care, other substitute care arrangements or in their own homes.  The primary goal of this position is to effect and sustain permanent placements for children until the Agency's legal responsibility is terminated.  Services provided are consistent with program and statutory guidelines and acceptable social work practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Social work principles, techniques and practices and their application to complex casework, group work and community problems
• A wide range of medical, behavioral and psychosocial problems and their treatment
• Governmental and private organizations and community resources
• The laws, regulations and policies which govern the program
• Family and group dynamics and a range of intervention techniques
• Medical terminology, disease processes and their treatment as they relate to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical or psychological diagnosis
• The methods and principles of casework, supervision and training

Ability to:

• Establish rapport with a client and in applying techniques of assessing psychosocial, behavioral and psychological aspects of client’s problems
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of caseload and their families as well as civic, legal, medical, social and religious organizations
• Express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively
• Supervise, train or instruct lower-level social workers, students or interns in the program

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; Master’s degree in counseling in a human services field and one year of social work or counseling; Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus three years of directly related experience.    

Applicants who meet the qualifications listed for the Social Worker III will be given first consideration.  Also, those with a Social Worker degree from an accredited school of social work will be given preference however anyone who has a Human Services Degree or a 4-year degree may apply as “work against appointments” and will be considered.

Special Requirements
Copies of final transcripts from accredited school showing date degree awarded must be submitted with application. Must have a valid driver’s license and be in compliance with the Rutherford County’s insurance regulations.  Must have access to a vehicle.

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SOCIAL WORKER III - Adult Services
Position Number: 5310011 
Annual Salary:  $48,639
Posting Date:  September 26, 2023
Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Position Responsibilities:
The primary purpose of the social worker in this position is to initiate and evaluate the need for protective services for adults, aged eighteen and older, who are alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited; evaluating findings to determine if the adult is in need of protective services; and planning and mobilizing essential services for disabled adults who have been abused, neglected or exploited.  The social worker in this position has the responsibility of evaluating the disabled adult’s capacity to consent to essential services as a result of substantiated protective services evaluations, and for securing the appropriate judicial orders as necessary in situations where the consent for protection must be obtained through the courts.  The social worker will serve as case manager for all disabled adults in which protective services have been mobilized.  An array of services is offered through the Adult Services Unit, so all workers are crossed trained as duties are subject to change based on the workload. 

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.
• Considerable knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral, and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory.
• Considerable knowledge of family and group dynamics and a range of intervention techniques, governmental and private organizations, and resources in the community, laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program.
• General knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training. Skill in establishing rapport with a client and in applying techniques or assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client’s problems. 
• Ability to supervise, train, or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns in the program.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of case load and their families, as well as civic, legal, medical, social, and religious organizations.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:
Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only); Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and one year directly related experience; Master's degree in a human services field and one year of directly related experience; Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and two years directly related experience; Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience

*Directly related experience is defined as human services experience in the areas of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning.

 Applicants who do not meet the qualifications listed for the Social Worker III may apply as “work against appointments” and will be considered.

 Special Requirements:
Copies of final transcripts from accredited school showing date degree awarded must be submitted with application. Must have a valid driver’s license and be in compliance with the Rutherford County’s insurance regulations.  Must have access to a vehicle. 
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SOCIAL WORKER IAT - Family & Children's Services
Position Number: 5310110 & 5310134
Annual Salary:  $50,876
Posting Date:  September 28, 2023
Closing Date:  Open Until Filled

Position Responsibilities
The Social Worker in this position will be responsible for the provision of services to children and their families in the area of Child Protective Service Investigations, Case Planning/Case Management, Family Assessment, and the provision of on-going family support services.  Work involves contact with other community agencies and institutions.  Court appearances and participation is an ongoing function of this worker’s job.  Case Management is another vital function, which includes record keeping and dictation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.  Considerable knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral, and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory.  Considerable knowledge of family and group dynamics and a range of intervention techniques, governmental and private organizations, and resources in the community, laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program.  General knowledge of the methods and principles of casework supervision and training.  Skill in establishing rapport with a client and in applying techniques or assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client’s problems.  Ability to supervise, train, or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns in the program.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of caseload and their families, as well as civic, legal, medical, social, and religious organizations.  Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or Master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; or a four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience; or graduation from a four-year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling or a related human service field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.  One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.    

Applicants who meet the qualifications listed for the Social Worker I/AT will be given first consideration.  Also, those with a Social Worker degree from an accredited school of social work will be given preference however anyone who has a Human Services Degree or a 4-year degree may apply as “work against appointments” and will be considered.

Special Requirements
Copies of final transcripts from accredited school showing date degree awarded must be submitted with application. Must have a valid driver’s license and be in compliance with the Rutherford County’s insurance regulations.  Must have access to a vehicle. 

Selection Process
The selection process will include a structured interview.  Applications will be reviewed; structured interview evaluations will be studied; educational and work experience histories will be considered.  After careful evaluation of the above-mentioned criteria the appointing authority will appoint the applicant who in the judgment of the appointing authority is best suited for the position.