Position: Social Worker IA&T – Child Welfare Unit
Position #5310-346-25, Temporary Full-time
Salary: Grade 116 $59,725.63 if qualified for SW-IAT
Grade 115 $57,428.49 if qualified for SW-III
(up to 12-month work against to SW-IAT position)
Candidate may qualify for an increase in base salary based upon prior years of service
to Ashe County
Application Period: December 01, 2025 – December 15, 2025
NORTH CAROLINA PRE SERVICE PREFERRED
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position requires advanced, professional level casework related to providing ongoing child welfare services for children in placement. Worker completes in-depth assessments of families, working intently with the family of origin to support reunification as long as that remains the permanent plan for the children. Worker develops short and/or long-range placement and service plans, referring families to appropriate services to address issues as needed. Worker prepares social histories, court summaries and narrative reports. Worker may provide counseling to assist foster families in identifying emotional conflicts, role confusion and patterns of interaction, developmental deficits and problems in self-perception related to placement. Worker is required to testify in court proceedings. Timely documentation is expected and subject to supervisory and State review.
Worker will be involved in the rotation of on-call duties during evenings and weekends. The employee is required to assist in the operation of a community shelter in the event of an emergency.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect of children; thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law; thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory. Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community. Ability to interact and motivate a resistant involuntary client population and the public who may not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs; ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans; ability to testify as an expert witness; ability to employ advanced case management interview techniques to establish a supportive relationship and involve families in the initial assessment for the need of services; ability to employ expert negotiation skills in the most complex cases; ability to analyze and assess child development safety issues in relation to risk factors; ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive client relationships.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
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 a Master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling; or a four-year degree in a human service 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.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applications must include a signed State Application for employment (PD 107 located on the Ashe DSS website), a cover letter, resume, and a copy of transcript from the institution where the applicant received the highest degree. An official transcript will be required upon employment.
Completed applications must be submitted to the Ashe County Department of Social Services. Applications may be dropped off in person or mailed to 150 Government Circle, Suite 1400, Jefferson, NC 28640 (Attn: Michele Blevins); submitted by fax to Michele Blevins at 336-846-5779 or emailed to micheleblevins@ashecountygov.com. All documents must be received prior to the 5:00pm deadline on December 15, 2025.
Incomplete applications or applications received after 5:00pm on December 15, 2025 will not be accepted. Applicants will be given credit only for information provided in response to this announcement. No additional information will be solicited or considered by this office. Verification for education and work experience is taken solely from information listed on the application Form PD-107. Applicants will not automatically be given credit based on their position title.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Selection will include use of a structured interview to select the best applicant for the position. Applications are rated by the State Personnel Division for training and experience. Candidates will be subjected to a background check and drug screening.
ASHE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Position: Social Work Supervisor III – Foster Care
Position #5310-301-16, Permanent Full-time
Salary: Grade 119-1 $69,198.70*
*Candidate may qualify for an increase in base salary based upon prior years of service to Ashe County.
Application Period: December 01, 2025 – December 15, 2025
CPS Pre-Service Required
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position supervises a staff of five to six Social Workers and Community Social Services Technicians who provide direct services to clients in the Foster Care Unit. Employee assigns cases to subordinates, coordinates work flow operations and supervises staff through case review and consultation which requires the provision of substantial and recurring technical direction. Worker is responsible for staff training, orientation and evaluation. Worker also resolves problems and ensures that quality services are provided. This position reports to the Deputy Director and provides input on administrative, personnel, and budget issues. Employee maintains and compiles statistical data on a monthly and annual basis for review. Worker attends interagency and community meetings as required by the DSS Director.
Worker will be involved in the rotation of on-call duties during evening and weekends. The employee is required to assist in the operation of a community shelter in the event of an emergency.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of methods and principles of casework supervision and training. Considerable knowledge of Social Work principles, techniques and practices and their application to specific casework and community problems. Considerable knowledge of behavioral and socioeconomic problems and their treatment as well as governmental and private organizations and community resources. Considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies which govern social work programs. Ability to supervise, train, or orient lower-level social workers, students, interns, or other staff. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.
MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s degree in social work from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related experience; or a bachelor’s degree in social work from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of directly related experience; or a master’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of directly related experience; or a bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of directly related experience; or a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
All applications must include a signed State Application for employment (PD 107 located on the Ashe DSS website), a cover letter, resume, and a copy of transcript from the institution where the applicant received the highest degree. An official transcript will be required upon employment.
Completed applications must be submitted to the Ashe County Department of Social Services. Applications may be dropped off in person or mailed to 150 Government Circle, Suite 1400, Jefferson, NC 28640 (Attn: Michele Blevins); submitted by fax to Michele Blevins at 336-846-5779 or emailed to micheleblevins@ashecountygov.com. All documents must be received prior to the 5:00pm deadline on December 15, 2025.
Incomplete applications or applications received after 5:00pm on December 15, 2025 will not be accepted. Applicants will be given credit only for information provided in response to this announcement. No additional information will be solicited or considered by this office. Verification for education and work experience is taken solely from information listed on the application Form PD-107. Applicants will not automatically be given credit based on their position title.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Selection will include use of a structured interview to select the best applicant for the position. Applications are rated by the Office of State Human Resources for training and experience. Candidates will be subjected to a background check and drug screening.
ASHE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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