SOCIAL SERVICES

Lenoir County Department of Social Services is a county operated, state supervised, public, non-profit service delivery organization funded by federal, state, and county revenues.

The agency’s purpose is to provide economic assistance, child support enforcement, and professional social work services to individuals and families living in Lenoir County, and to deliver a large number of specialized and complex programs designed to assist the county in coping with a variety of social and economic conditions.

Notice of Your Rights Under Hawkins v. Cohen – English Version
Notice of Your Rights Under Hawkins v. Cohen – Spanish Version

Programs

North Carolina Medicaid
Provides access to physical behavioral health care and services to improve health and well-being for North Carolina citizens. Services NC Medicaid manages include but are not limited to:
– Physical, behavioral health, and substance use services
– Pharmacy Benefits
– Services and supports for people with chronic and long term health care needs
Food and Nutrition
Provides low-income families or individuals the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. Benefits are issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards. Users may use the ebtEdge Mobile app to check balances and locate stores that accept benefits.
Subsidized Child Care Assistance
Provides ongoing financial assistance via vouchers for families in need of child care services from enrolled providers. Eligibility may be limited based on financial and situational criteria.
Low Income Energy Assistance & Crisis Intervention Program
Provides assistance through vendor payment to help households pay heating and cooling bills.
Child Support Services
Available to anyone needing help to establish paternity, establish and collect a court order obligation for child support, or collect child support on an existing obligation. The program is not authorized to assist with custody, visitation, or property disagreements.
Child Protective Services
Specialized services for abused, neglected, and/or dependent children, and those who are at imminent risk of harm due to the actions of, or lack of protection by, the child’s parent or caregiver. These services are designed to protect children from further harm and support and improve parental/caregiver abilities in order to assure a safe and nurturing home for each child.
Aging and Adult Services
The Lenoir County Department of Social Services’ Aging and Adult Services works to promote the independence and enhance the dignity of Lenoir County’s older adults, persons with disabilities and their families through a community-based system of opportunities, services, benefits and protections.

Work First
Work-for-benefits program designed to offer supportive services to assist families with obtaining and maintaining employment.

Mission Statement

It is our mission as agents of the Lenoir County Department of Social Services to provide an optimal level of services and assistance to children, families seniors, and disabled adults–as well as the other individuals targeted or determined to be in need of our services-in a compassionate, caring, courteous, confidential and professional manner. It is the intent of every action taken, or endeavor undertaken to promote and maintain the integrity and dignity of the individual while focusing on enhancing a quality of life that we believe is an integral part of the inalienable rights of every person for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is our belief as human service professionals that service to humanity is the greatest work of life.

DSS Electing County Work First Plan (Effective 10-2019 through 9-2022)

Employment Information

Lenoir County Department of Social Services is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Lenoir County provides eligible employees with a very competitive benefits package including health and dental insurance, 12 paid holidays per year, 5% match to 401-K, and other optional benefits.

How to apply to work at DSS?

Please visit Lenoir County’s Employment Opportunities page for information about vacancies and online applications.

Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be processed. Applicants must meet minimum requirements to be considered for positions. This agency uses the structured interview process.

All DSS staff are required to have a valid North Carolina driver’s license and to have access to a vehicle for use at work.

Notice

The North Carolina Division of Social Services is completing the SFY 2020-2021 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant Plan. The Administration of Children and Families (ACF) requires NC to seek public participation for the LIHEAP Plan annually.

The only revisions to the 2020 Block Grant Plan are listed below:

Updated Federal Poverty Guidelines which are effective October 1, 2020.
Removing the requirement for Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) applicants to have a disconnect notice.
Explanation of how the CARES Act funding will be spent.
Adding online CIP and LIHEAP applications to ePass effective date January 1, 2021.
Adding the acceptance of Telephonic Signatures for CIP and LIHEAP applications.

Revised 2020 LIHEAP Block Grant Plan: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/public-notices

All comments will be submitted to Jasmyne Simmons at Jasmyne.Simmons@dhhs.nc.gov