The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is currently seeking energetic, self-motivated, and detail-oriented candidates for the position of Homelessness Outreach Specialist. Situated in the beautiful rolling hills and mountains of western North Carolina, WPCOG is a regional governmental agency owned by the 28 local governments in the region and organized in 1968 to provide long-range planning, technical assistance, and regional delivery of services. Our organization is one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina formed under NC General Statutes 160A 470-478. Local governments eligible for WPCOG membership include Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties located in Western NC and the 24 cities and towns within those counties.
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:
The Community and Economic Development Department assists with local and state grant application preparation and grant administration. These grants assist with infrastructure improvements, safe and affordable housing opportunities, and catalyze job creation through building reuse grants.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Homelessness Outreach Specialist is responsible for engaging, assisting, and supporting individuals who are experiencing or at-risk homelessness across Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. Collaborating with community partners, social service providers, government agencies, faith-based organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders, the Homelessness Outreach Specialist will provide proactive outreach, advocacy, and needs assessment and connect individuals to housing, healthcare, social services, and other community resources. Responsible for documenting client interactions and conducting intakes and referrals. This position will involve extensive fieldwork within the community and will require direct engagement with the local homeless population.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate degree is required, but a Bachelor’s degree preferred in Social Work, Counseling, Business or Public Administration, or Non-Profit related field.
- Experience working with the homeless population or social work is preferred.
- Or the equivalent in education, training, and experience, which would provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
SALARY & BENEFITS:
The hiring rate for this position is $47,047. New hires are eligible for up to a 5% increase with the successful completion of probationary period.
WPCOG is a member of the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System. This entitles vested employees with at least five years of employment to a defined benefit at the time of retirement. Members contribute 6% of gross compensation each month. This is a before-tax deduction. Western Piedmont Council of Governments contributes an actuarially determined percentage of the gross payroll of members each month.
The Western Piedmont Council of Governments will contribute 5.2% of each employee’s salary and match 4%, for a possible total of 9.2%, to either the NC 401k or the NC 457.
WPCOG pays 100% of the following premiums:
- Life Insurance - $100,000
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Dental Insurance - Employee and Family
- Short-Term Disability (Weekly Indemnity)
- Long-Term Disability
WOCOG provides for the following paid leave options:
- 12 Paid Holidays Per Year
- Annual Leave earned on a sliding scale based on years of service
- 12 Sick Leave Days Per Year
- Longevity Pay
APPLICATION PROCESS:
This position is open until filled.
How to Apply:
For consideration, please apply directly on our website at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/westernpiedmontcog.
The WPCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $47,047.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- social work: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
