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Harnett County approves new Social Worker 3 position to support adult services
Summary
Commissioners approved adding a Social Worker 3 position effective Sept. 1 to split duties between guardianship and special assistance in‑home services; the county expects state reimbursements to cover a portion of the cost, lowering net county expense.
HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. — The Harnett County Board of Commissioners approved adding a Social Worker 3 position for adult services at the June 2 meeting, county finance staff said. The new position will split time between guardian‑ship caseloads and special assistance in‑home services and is expected to take effect Sept. 1.
Lisa McFadden, the county finance officer, told commissioners the position's total cost including salary, benefits and equipment is nearly $60,000 but that state reimbursement will cover a substantial portion of the duties: guardianship work may be reimbursed up to 75% and special assistance in‑home services up to 50%. McFadden said the net county cost would be less than $30,000 after those reimbursements.
County staff and Department of Social Services representatives described guardianship caseloads as rising — guardianship numbers increased by more than 31 cases over five years — and said many new adult guardianship clients have more complex needs and longer service horizons. Paul Polinski (DSS) told commissioners that training costs for existing staff would exceed the cost of hiring an additional Social Worker 3, strengthening the case for adding staff instead of only relying on overtime and training.
The board voted to add the position and directed staff to include it in the budget with an effective date of Sept. 1. Commissioners who spoke in favor cited rising caseloads and the county's ability to recoup a sizable share of the cost through state reimbursement as key reasons for approval.
