Social Worker for the Blind

About the job

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Blind Services

Job Classification Title

Social Worker (S)

Position Number

60042947

Grade

NC11 About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Social Worker for the Blind provides Independent Living Services, Medical Eye Care services, and specialized support to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages in Rutherford and Polk Counties. This position assists consumers in achieving and maintaining independence through assessment, case management, instruction, and coordination of services designed to enhance daily functioning and self-sufficiency.

The Social Worker for the Blind teaches skills related to personal care, home management, daily living, and self-advocacy, while connecting consumers with available community resources and supports. This position collaborates with consumers, families, healthcare providers, and community partners to promote independence and improve quality of life.

Key Duties Include:

• Provide Independent Living Services and Medical Eye Care services to blind and visually impaired consumers in Rutherford and Polk Counties.

• Assess consumer needs, functional abilities, and service requirements to determine eligibility and develop appropriate service plans.

• Deliver instruction and training in daily living skills, personal care, home management, communication techniques, and self-advocacy to promote independence.

• Provide case management services, including assessment, planning, service coordination, monitoring, and documentation of consumer progress.

• Coordinate services and referrals with healthcare providers, community organizations, educational entities, and other service agencies to address consumer needs.

• Maintain accurate case records and documentation in accordance with program policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.

• Assist consumers in identifying and accessing community resources, adaptive equipment, and support services that enhance independence and self-sufficiency.

• Consult and collaborate with consumers, families, caregivers, and other professionals to develop strategies that support successful independent living outcomes.

• Monitor consumer progress and evaluate the effectiveness of services to ensure needs are met and goals are achieved.

• Promote awareness of services available to blind and visually impaired individuals through outreach, education, and collaboration with community partners.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $ 45,431.00 - $ 79,504.00

Recruitment Range: $ 45,431.00 - $ 62,458.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Track record of applying social work principles, practices, and techniques to assess needs, coordinate services, and support individuals and families in achieving desired outcomes.

• Experience leveraging knowledge of local community resources and service networks to connect clients with appropriate services, facilitate referrals, and address identified needs.

• Prior experience providing case management services, including assessment, service planning, coordination of services, monitoring progress, and maintaining case records.

• Demonstrated sound professional judgment and problem-solving skills when managing complex cases and addressing client needs in diverse and changing environments.

• Documented history working independently under varying conditions while managing competing priorities, exercising sound judgment, and meeting established deadlines.

REPOST - Previous Applicants Do Not Need To Reapply In Order To Be Considered For This Vacancy

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds.

This Role Is Eligible To Be Hybrid And Requires Onsite Reporting Located Within Rutherford, NC

About the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB):

The Division of Services for the Blind provides services to people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf-blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment.

About Independent Living Services (ILS):

Independent Living Services for the Blind provides comprehensive services designed to help individuals of all ages adjust to vision loss and live as independently and safely as possible in their homes and communities. The program offers counseling, case management, skills training, assistive technology, and referral services that support increased independence and quality of life. Services focus on developing adaptive communication, daily living, orientation and mobility, and self-advocacy skills, while helping individuals and families access resources and supports that promote self-sufficiency. Through individualized and family-centered approaches, the program empowers consumers to maintain independence, participate fully in their communities, and achieve their highest level of functioning.

About the Medical Eye Care Program (MEC):

The Medical Eye Care Program helps prevent blindness and preserve or improve vision for individuals who are at risk of vision loss or who have experienced vision impairment. The program focuses on addressing major causes of blindness, including retinal disorders, cataracts, and glaucoma, through preventive and corrective eye care services. Depending on funding availability and eligibility, the program may provide assistance with eye-related surgery, treatment, and medications for North Carolina residents who do not qualify for Medicaid and have limited resources. Eligibility for services is determined through an assessment by a Social Worker for the Blind, with certain services requiring additional clinical review and approval. Through early intervention, treatment support, and care coordination, the program works to help individuals maintain vision, maximize independence, and improve their quality of life.

Compensation and Benefits:

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Visit the website for State Benefits.

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Application Process Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.
• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date.
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members.

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

*CONTACT INFORMATION: *

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov.* Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.*

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Master’s degree in social work from an appropriately accredited institution;

OR

Bachelor’s degree in social work from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of directly related experience;

OR

Master’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of directly related experience;

OR

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of directly related experience;

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Dejah Victoria Seksay Contact:

DHHS Workday Support Form ****