CHEROKEE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 4800 W US

Highway 64, Murphy, N.C. 28906 (828) 837-7455 - Fax (828) 837-4152 Amanda McGee, Director August 27, 2026 INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT SALARY

Grade 59 -$32,655 NUMBER

OF VACANCIES

One

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS

Open until filled Job Description The main purpose of the Program Assistant IV is to perform a variety of program and administrative tasks in support of a program. This position provides support to any DSS programs as needed. Responsibilities include coordinating, planning and implementing a program component within a service delivery environment that may be a specialized program, profession or service. Employees serve as primary resource and principal administrative and program support regarding processes and procedures applicable to the program. Working with and creating spreadsheets, entering foster care and adult services into state data system, pulling state data reports for social workers and supervisors, faxing and emailing information requests, filing case information, maintaining the filing system, making appointments for clients. This position provides back up for the reception desk for morning and afternoon breaks and lunch on a rotating basis. This position provides back up duties to the reception desk such as answering phones, transferring phone calls, answering citizen questions, and managing clients in the lobby area. While operating the reception area this position is also responsible for getting initial program forms completed for clients coming in for application, scanning necessary information to the document management system, running various computer checks, setting up case files, and notifying caseworkers when a customer is waiting. This position must be knowledgeable and helpful in making referrals to staff and/or other community organizations and individuals. This position will have public contact all day, either in person or by phone; good customer service skills are a necessity. This position is responsible for organizing supplies, refilling copier paper, copier ink, water cooler tanks. This position assists employees with filing, scanning, and other duties as assigned by the Supervisor. Must be able to work under stressful situations and multi-task. Employees report to the Administrative Officer, Business Officer and the Director and work closely with all department heads. Employees possess a significant knowledge of program operations, policies and procedures to perform the work. Work also involves responsibility for ensuring compliance with established guidelines and responding within established time frames. Work requires knowledge and use of a variety of office equipment systems and related technology. Several software packages may be used to complete work. These systems are used to enter, retrieve, verify, research, update and/or manage document control.

NATURE OF WORK

This is the entry level for program Assistant. Employees independently perform a variety of program support and administrative tasks, applying varied guidelines and program knowledge which require some interpretation to resolve problems. Employees serve as primary resources to persons internal and external to the program to interpret, explain and gather information regarding program services, policies and procedures. Procedural and operational guidelines are normally available where employees must ensure compliance within established time frames. Employees independently choose the appropriate course of action to produce a variety of records and reports where subject matter and complexity may vary. Composition duties include a variety of letters, memos and reports which may require independent research utilizing significant program knowledge. Program Assistant is required to treat the client in a respectful and courteous manner, while gathering minimum information needed to set up files and insure the client is seen by the proper worker. Processing Assistant must be capable of dealing with irate and emotional clients calmly and professionally and be ready for the unexpected. This position must be very flexible. The duties of the Programing Assistant can vary from day to day. Various tasks may be eliminated and new ones assigned as necessary for the efficiency of the agency. After hours and weekend hours are required when needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Significant knowledge of program procedures, methods and practices. Significant knowledge and ability to use correct grammar, vocabulary, spelling and program terminology to compose, proofread and edit correspondence, reports and other materials. Ability to record, compile, summarize and perform basic analysis of narrative and numerical materials. Ability to learn and independently apply laws, program rules and regulations. Ability to learn programs and services and apply this knowledge in problem-solving and responding to most questions and inquiries. Ability to use judgment in establishing program procedures and organizing and coordinating workflow. Ability to apply correct sentences and grammatical structure to independently compose and format materials within established guidelines. Ability to independently work with people with courtesy and tact in performing public contact and communication duties that may be sensitive in nature. Ability to gather and release pertinent program information. Ability to schedule and coordinate a variety of appointments, meetings and/or conferences. May require ability to coordinate the work of other staff, student workers or volunteers.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school and demonstrated possession of knowledges, skills and abilities gained through at least one year of office assistant/secretarial experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Application Process:

A completed and signed state application (PD-107) must be received by Miriam Aguero, Business Officer for the Cherokee County Department of Social Services, 4800 W US Highway 64 Murphy, NC 28906 or via email to miriam.aguero@cherokeecounty-nc.gov on or before the deadline shown above. The application can be obtained and found on-line at the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources website (https://oshr.nc.gov/documents/nc-state-government-paper-application-employment-pd-107 ) or at NCWorks Career Center, 800 West US Hwy 64, Murphy, NC 28906 (located next to Waffle King in Murphy). Resumes alone will not be accepted.

Selection Process:

Selection procedures will include detailed review of applications and interviews for most qualified candidates. Cherokee County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, genetic information, national origin, disability and/or veteran or military status. Individuals being offered employment through Cherokee County are subject to drug screening and a background check. Job Details Category

FULL TIME JOBS

Status Open Posted August 27, 2026 2:00 PM Closing Open Until Filled