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DSS Human Services Specialist III

Orange County Government
Hillsborough, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 6/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/30/2026

The Orange County Department of Social Services has openings for a DSS Human Services Specialist III in the Employment Services Unit.  The work involves the primary responsibility for the delivery of employment and public assistance service programs and determining client eligibility for public assistance benefits by using intake and processing systems, utilizing NC FAST or other automated systems and involves in depth interviewing, frequently under stressful conditions.  An employee in this class has responsibility of providing counseling, case management, support, and preventive services to at-risk individuals, including families with children and teens; and homeless individuals and making appropriate referrals to individuals and agencies; processing and maintaining a variety of forms and records and arranging for the provision of services in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. This class of positions differs from Human Services Specialist II in the higher level and complexity of assignments.
 
Work is performed under the general supervision of a Unit Supervisor with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests. Supervision may be a responsibility of this class depending on the assignment. Does related work as required.


Hiring range is based on the Orange County Social Services Step Plan. The Step Plan is based on years of DSS Human Services Specialist III experience.  Full credit is given for years of experience performing the same job functions. Partial credit is given for years of experience performing related job functions. The top half of the scale is reserved for career employees with senior level experience in the same role.
 
* SBI background check with fingerprinting is required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Click the link below for full job specification which includes essential functions, knowledge, skills, abilities and physical requirements. 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/orangecountync/classspecs/1441245

NOTE: The hiring range is on the posting NOT on the job specification. 

 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree AND three (3) years of work experience in determining human service eligibility and participatory in the delivery of public assistance programs; OR
 
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience as stated above.  A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.
 
A bachelor’s degree in human services or social work is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated is required.
 
All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of an SBI background check with fingerprinting.  Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.
 
As with all positions with the Department of Social Services, this position may be required to serve in shelters in time of natural and man-made disasters including overnight and weekends. The duties assigned during this time may vary from your regularly assigned duties. The assigned duties will be at the discretion of the Social Services Director.
 
Requires flexibility and adaptability to be re-assigned to assist with other DSS-related functions as determined by the Social Services Director or designee.

In accordance with Section 28 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, and/or relevant State and Federal statutes, candidates for employment may be required to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal history background check based on the job responsibilities of the position. A fingerprinting check is conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and a criminal history background check is conducted by an authorized Federal or State regulatory agency to determine eligibility for appointment. Employment is contingent upon successful clearance through these checks, which are mandated for certain roles depending on the nature of the job and applicable laws. Further, all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory verification of your eligibility for employment, successful completion of the required pre-employment testing and/or screening, including drug testing when required and the submission and approval of all new hire documentation completion of your new hire paperwork.


As with all positions with the Department of Social Services, this position may be required to serve in shelters in time of natural and man-made disasters including overnight and weekends. The duties assigned during this time may vary from your regularly assigned duties. Assigned duties will be at the discretion of the Social Services Director.


Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer


Salary : $50,107 - $74,555

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