Guardianship Social Worker III
About The Position
Catawba County Social Services is seeking a dedicated Guardianship Social Worker III who is passionate about providing services to adults deemed incompetent and in need of a guardian to advocate for services that meet their needs. This position provides support and comprehensive, person-centered assessments and services that help adults live as independently as possible. The guardianship social worker collaborates with families, guardian ad litems, court partners, and community and in-agency partners to ensure adults are cared for and linked to services. This position provides legal guardianship services, court-ordered evaluations, monitoring, and advocacy for clients, along with case management, guardianship assessments, and limited In-Home Aide Level I case management. Trainees, those with Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees in other areas of human services but do not have the required experience, may be considered. Trainee salary starts at $56,616.46.
Requirements
- Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work; OR Master's degree in counseling or human services field and 1 year of social work experience; OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of social work experience; OR Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and 2 years of social work experience; OR Bachelor’s degree in a non-human services field and 3 years of social work experience
- Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (driving is an essential function of this position)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advocate effectively for clients under guardianship
- Knowledge of and experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities
- Knowledge of medications and DSM-5
- Ability to gather and analyze information, solve problems, and participate in complex decision-making
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and remain flexible in handling crises and unplanned events
- Knowledge of guardianship fundamentals, community resources, placement options, and funding sources
- Skill in networking and resource development
- Resilience and persistence in challenging advocacy situations
- Ability to travel extensively for client visits and occasionally lift or move items over 50 pounds
- Willingness to participate in on-call rotation and weekend/evening duties as required
- This position requires lifting up to 50 pounds to move client’s belongings.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience with guardianship processes, adult protective services, or case management for individuals with mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities
Responsibilities
- Provide guardianship case management, including treatment team meetings, quarterly client visits, assessments, and service plans
- Collaborate with Managed Care Organizations, medical/mental health providers, Social Security Administration, facilities, and community agencies to coordinate client services
- Assist clients with residential services, day supports, Medicaid, food assistance, subsidized housing, and other benefit programs
- Assist with housing/facility placements and transitions, including physical assistance with moves
- Support medical decision-making, including consenting to procedures, DNR orders, and palliative/hospice care
- Prepare annual court-mandated status reports and maintain ongoing case documentation
- Continually assess appropriateness of guardianship versus less restrictive alternatives
- Monitor Medicaid Administrative Claiming billing and oversee medical, dental, and mental health care
- Provide representative payee services as needed
- Conduct guardianship assessments and prepare legal documentation to petition for guardianship
- Participate in court hearings related to incompetency, restoration, and guardianship modifications
- Provide case management for In-Home Aide Level I clients in coordination with the Community Social Services Technician
- Participate in weekly Adult Services intake rotation and after-hours/weekend on-call duties
- Participate in trainings and networking to identify new services, placements, and resources
Benefits
- Up to 40 hours of advanced annual leave for benefited new hires
- Up to 40 hours of advanced sick leave for benefited new hires
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
