Job Description

Posting number: 202600229

Department: PUBLIC HEALTH

Job classification: Family Support Specialist

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Health

Summary

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

New Hanover County Social Services is seeking a compassionate and resourceful Family Support Specialist – Getting Home Street Outreach to join our team and help connect individuals experiencing homelessness with services, resources, and support that can help them move toward greater stability.

This position provides field-based outreach throughout New Hanover County, meeting individuals where they are and building trusting relationships that can serve as a first step toward accessing community resources. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in the community, engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, responding to immediate needs, and collaborating with Social Workers and community partners.

Role Overview

The Family Support Specialist is a key member of the Getting Home Street Outreach team, providing field-based outreach, engagement, intervention, and resource navigation to individuals experiencing homelessness. The position works with the program Social Worker and community partners to connect individuals and families with appropriate services and supports, with a primary focus on outreach and engagement rather than ongoing case management.

Essential Duties

The essential duties for this role include, but are not limited to:

• Conducts field-based outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness throughout New Hanover County, building rapport and encouraging continued engagement with available services.
• Assesses immediate needs and provides intervention and resource navigation by identifying appropriate services and making referrals in coordination with the program Social Worker.
• Interviews clients to understand their circumstances, explain available services, and provide information regarding program requirements, options, rights, and responsibilities.
• Coordinates referrals, advocates for clients, and collaborates with Social Workers, case managers, and community partners to connect individuals and families with appropriate services and supports.
• Assists clients and families in identifying and achieving goals through information, encouragement, advocacy, and resource connections.
• Maintains accurate documentation and client data related to outreach, interactions, referrals, and services.
• Supports community resource development and outreach activities, including maintaining the resource directory, participating in community events, strengthening partnerships, and increasing awareness of available services.
• Performs work primarily in community and outdoor settings, participates in emergency and disaster situations as required, and performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Why Join New Hanover County Social Services?

Working in Social Services means having the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. The Getting Home Street Outreach team plays an important role in helping individuals experiencing homelessness take the first step toward accessing services and building greater stability.

A Career with Impact

As a Family Support Specialist, you will have the opportunity to work directly in the community, develop meaningful relationships, and connect people

Every interaction can be an opportunity to help someone move forward. Whether connecting an individual with shelter, food assistance, healthcare, behavioral health resources, housing services, or other community supports, this position helps make critical resources more accessible to individuals who may face significant barriers to receiving assistance.

If you are someone who enjoys working with people, building relationships, solving problems, and connecting individuals to resources, this is an opportunity to make a direct impact in New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC

New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday, hours vary from either 8-5 or 10-7. Friday and Saturday 8-5 and Sunday 1-5

Salary Information:,

The target hiring range for this position is $51,111 - $69,000. The full salary range for an incumbent hired into this position is $51,111. to $86,889. Starting salary will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and budget. Candidates with exceptional qualifications and experience may be considered for a starting salary above the target hiring range, but not to exceed the maximum of the salary range.

New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page atwww.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.

Examples of duties

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or a related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

This position is performed primarily in community and outdoor settings and requires frequent walking and standing, as well as exposure to varying weather and environmental conditions. Candidates must be comfortable performing work duties in these settings.

Regular and predictable attendance is required to meet the scheduling and service needs of the County.

Qualifications

Valid North Carolina Driver License required by first date of employment with good driving record.

Supplemental information

After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. 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. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.