Cook County Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Gaston County Department of Social Services, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1416
Department: SOCIAL SERVICES
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
Joining 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.
Description
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.
The goal of the Gaston County Human Services Center and Division of Social Services is to foster an agency which is professionally responsive to our citizens' needs through daily caring outreach and simultaneously serve as an advocate for those in need. We strive to be community-minded and community-spirited. We abide by federal, state and county operating instructions in providing services and we assist welfare recipients in attaining self-sufficiency.
Examples of Duties
The anticipated hiring range for this position is $37.50 - $44.53
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.

• Direct supervision of 5 Social Worker IIIs in a foster care unit dedicated to finding timely permanency for children. This format requires that the SWS III have strong working knowledge of rule/law/policy around foster care, take responsibility for child safety and well-being for a range of 75-100+ open cases, and additionally handle all personnel matters with regard to direct reports.
• Facilitates unit/team staffing on a monthly rotation with partner SWS III, and also individually staffs cases, as necessary, to ensure support, direction and guidance for social work staff. Accompanies, critiques, guides and coaches staff during direct service delivery for teaching/learning purposes, during vacancies or absences (ensures coverage), and in dangerous or threatening situations, or when they are working intensely complicated (sometimes cross county or multi-issue) cases. Provides individual attention and training to each social worker (including assigned interns), on an as-needed basis, to include support, encouragement, coaching and discipline (developing work plans and corrective action plans).
• Reviews all documentation, including all court paperwork and orders, to ensure compliance with law and policy.
• Assign cases in accordance with state administrative standards, transition cases as needed, work collaboratively with legal staff in order to assure child safety and permanency, ensuring adequate and timely attention to all cases. Manages all scheduling and leave approval for unit, in collaboration with partner Supervisor and Unit (on team).
• Participates in interviewing, selection and hiring processes of staff for unit, including all performance evaluations throughout responsibility for individual staff.
• Participates in Children & Family Services Management Team meetings monthly, participating on subcommittees, providing input and feedback, in order to promote accountability and consistency across units/teams/division.
• Must be available to work mandatory emergency shelters & other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree In Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution and 1 year of directly related experience.
• Master's degree in human services field (such as counseling, psychology, related discipline) and 2 years of directly related experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution and 2 years of directly related experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a human services field and 3 years of directly related experience.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Ability to adjust to changing work and climate in order to meet the needs of a multi-cultural, ever-changing clientele, as well as ability of multi-task, deal with intense inter-personal familial situations that might involve danger, violence, safety risks, and operate in a calm and reasonable manner (versus reactionary). knowledge of social work principles, methods, and practices. knowledge of casework supervision and staff training. knowledge of behaviorial health, substance use, disabilities and community resources. knowledge of laws, regulations and policies governing social work programs; abilitity to supervise, train, evaluate professional social workers, ability to organize work, monitor quality, and manage caseload distribution. Strong communication, assessment, and problem solving skills.
A copy of a transcript must be included with the application. FAILURE TO ATTACH YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING REJECTED.
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.
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
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.
01
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02
Do you possess a MSW from an accredited university?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess a BSW from an accredited university?

• Yes
• No

04
If you do not have a BSW or MSW, please select the type of major that you possess from the following list:

• Counseling and Guidance
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Family Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Special Education
• Child Development and Family Relations
• Other

05
If your major was not listed, please list the major you possess:
06
Do you have valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07
Have you attached a copy of your college transcripts as required?Failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

Required Question