About Job

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on August 10, 2025. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on August 10, 2025.

Job Title: Social Worker II - Youth Services Coordinator (Long-Term Temporary)

Department: Social Services - Child Welfare

External Hiring Range: $25.77 - $30.54

Compensation Grade: 2007

Pay Range: $25.77 - $37.16

Posted Internally and Externally

Buncombe County is hiring for a Social Worker II-Youth Services Coordinator. This position will report to the Social Work Supervisor III in Permanency Planning. The typical work day is Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm in the office, with periodic evening hours based on program need. This position also includes the flexibility for a flexible work arrangement after six months.

The purpose of this position to provide independent living LINKS support services for youth and young adults ages 13-21. This position will also adoption promotions support services.

The preferred candidate for this position would have experience working with youth, great communication skills, and collaborative team work skills. social work experience. The goal of this agency to is to have this position filed by early September 2025.

A Long-Term Temporary, time-limited position is filled by an individual whose duties and responsibilities are required on a regular basis, either full or part time, for more than 11 months with a defined end date. Long-term temporary positions can work for Buncombe County up to 36 months. Long-term temporary workers may be eligible for cost-of-living adjustments, longevity payments, and other annual salary increases. County performance evaluations will be completed for long-term temporary workers. A long-term temporary worker may be eligible for certain Buncombe County benefits depending on the number of hours worked within a 12- month period.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of the position is to deliver independent living services (LINKS) in accordance with the John Chafee Foster Care Independence Act (Public Law 106-69) and Adoption Promotion Services. This hybrid role involves collaborating with other Buncombe County DHHS staff to ensure the effective implementation of these services, supporting eligible youth in their transition to adulthood and supporting youth with a plan of adoption on their path to permanency.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):
Bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from an appropriately accredited institution; bachelor's degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and one (1) year of directly related experience; or bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two (2) years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Training and Experience:

Previous direct service experience with youth and young adults preferred.

Essential Functions of the position:

Serve as the primary staff responsible for the delivery of independent living services (LINKS) per the John Chafee Foster Care Independence Act (Public Law 106-69).
Serve as agency support for Adoption preparation/readiness activities for youth. Some examples include: identify and utilize resources to assist the child in understanding their biological and cultural heritage, Adoption Journey books (using Shutterfly & letting the youth select their photos), etc.
Provide specialized assessments and subsequent recommended services for a child that would assist in locating and/or sustaining an identified adoptive placement.
Services to individual youth should include activities such as: Casey Life Skills assessments, case plans, linkage with community services, individual advocacy, and case management.
Provide services consistent with policy outlined in the North Carolina Division of Social Services Child Welfare Services Manual, Section 1201 - Child Placement Services, Adolescent Services: NC LINKS.
Provide services to eligible youth (ages 13-21) who are or were in foster care after the age of 13. Maintain monthly contacts, LINKS requests, and continued case management for eligible youth.
Conduct diligent outreach efforts to all young adults ages 18-21 who aged out of foster care in Buncombe County and provide appropriate services per NC LINKS policy. The LINKS Coordinator will be provided outreach information for any teen exiting foster care either prior to or at the age of 18, in addition to those who have aged out of foster care.
Work with DSS staff and youth to verify eligibility for LINKS and LINKS Special Funds; work with staff and youth to access LINKS Special Funds on behalf of eligible youth. The LINKS Coordinator will receive all LINKS requests, verify eligibility and funding availability.
Consult with the LINKS state coordinator as needed and participate in LINKS training offered through the Staff Development Section (LINKS 101, 201, and Groups Course, as appropriate). The LINKS Coordinator will attend all LINK Up calls and state meetings pertinent to LINKS needs.
Work with SWS to prepare a written plan for the county LINKS program as required by the State.
Provide SWS with a monthly report detailing youth served and the types of LINKS services delivered.
Partner with Permanency Planning Social Work(PPL SW), Adoptions Social Work, and Extended Foster Care Social Work staff.
Create and maintain an internal system to track LINKS spending for eligible clients to be shared with clerical and HHS finance.
Provide internal trainings, one-on-one assistance, and community information regarding LINKS services, processes, and updates.
Communicate and collaborate with LINKS Coordinators in other counties to provide services for youth placed out of county.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their application; knowledge and understanding of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that affect Protective Services.
Thorough knowledge of agency and community resources.
Ability to use highly specialized interviewing skills to assess risk and voluntarily engage client in a situation that is emotionally charged and stressful to all involved, the ability to ascertain facts and information without imposing or adding information during an interview.
Knowledge of casework principles, crisis intervention, and impacts of family structure dynamics on individuals.
Skill in working with other professionals from different disciplines who may view client/problems differently.
Ability to meet a client where they are and work with them to achieve their goal and support a client’s right to selfdetermination.
Ability to be flexible and maintain a calm exterior in the face of crisis, change and/or stress.
Ability to orchestrate community services and to create resources where none are readily available.
Ability to identify and prioritize problems under stress.
Skill in crisis interviewing and counseling to allow worker to take charge, diffuse and manage the crisis.
Ability to accurately observe human behavior and environmental condition, processing collected data in order to effectively recommend and implement a sound course of action in a minimal period of time, relying on self as a major resource, while operating in an isolated and stressful environment; and acting appropriately and effectively on the acquired information.

In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.