Placement Support Worker – Hourly

Catawba County Government; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

CPR and First Aid certification (prefr

Experience in youth/foster care or a相关

Job summary

Catawba County Social Services seeks multiple part-time Placement Support Workers to care for youth in foster care at the DSS building, ensuring safety and continuous supervision.

You will help youth maintain routines, attend school and appointments, and participate in activities, while documenting strengths and needs with the social work team to support a smooth transition to the next placement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Human Services related field or equivalent.
• Associate's degree in Human Services or equivalent experience accepted.
• High school diploma or GED with some Human Services college credits.
• High school diploma or GED with 2 years of experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Supervises youth staying at the Department of Social Services building while awaiting placement, ensuring safety.
• Prepares meals for youth.
• Maintains daily routines: wake, hygiene, school prep, homework.
• Provides direction, guidance, and redirection on behavior.
• Administers medication as applicable.
• Communicates observations on youth strengths and needs to social work team.

Skills

Effective communication

Crisis intervention

Boundary setting

Calm under pressure

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or Human Services related field

Associate's degree in Human Services

High school diploma or GED with some Human Services college credits

High school diploma or GED with 2 years of experience

Job description

Catawba County Social Services is seeking several part-time, hourly Placement Support Workers to provide safe, supportive care for youth in foster care while the agency secures their next placement. Placement Support Workers supervise youth staying at the DSS building, keeping them within sight and sound at all times. They help youth maintain daily routines, attend school and appointments, and participate in activities that help staff get to know them. In partnership with the social work team, Placement Support Workers report on each youth’s strengths and needs and help prepare them for a successful transition to their next placement.

This is an ideal opportunity for individuals with experience working with children who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.

The agency is seeking several part-time, hourly workers for evenings, weekends, and holidays on an as-needed basis. Interested applicants should indicate their availability in their application (e.g., weekends only, evenings only). All schedules will be considered.

• Supervises youth staying at the Department of Social Services building while awaiting placement, ensuring their safety and well-being
• Prepares meals for youth
• Helps youth maintain a daily routine, including waking up, personal hygiene, getting ready for school, and completing homework
• Provides youth with direction, guidance, and redirection on appropriate behavior
• Administers medication as applicable
• Communicates observations on youth strengths and needs to the social work team

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Human Services related field; OR
• Associate's degree in Human Services; OR
• High school diploma or GED equivalent and some Human Services college credits obtained as part of a college-level Social Work or Human Services program; OR
• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 2 years of experience working with children

• Ability to communicate effectively and engage with children, adolescents, family members, and professionals at all levels
• Skills in crisis intervention and in directive, non-directive, and boundary-setting communication
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and consistent when supporting youth through stressful or emotional situations
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, on an as-needed basis

Preferences:

• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Experience working with children or adolescents, particularly in a residential, foster care, or crisis setting