YOuth Employment permits

Swain County Department of Social Services staff issues youth employment certificates for youth between the ages of 14 and 18. They may also be issued by designated schools or agencies. You may contact your school guidance counselor to inquire if they are a designee.

Both DSS and department of Labor (Raleigh) maintain a file of these permits. DSS has copy of the state and federal laws regarding youth employment which is available for parents or employers. In addition, employers are required to know applicable state and federal laws regarding youth employment.

A Youth Employment Certificate must be obtained before any youth under 18 years of age is employed unless there is an exemption from the youth employment requirements of the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act.

The youth must obtain a certificate. These certificates may be obtained from the County DSS office or downloaded from the following internet sites:

http://www.nclabor.com/wh/yec.pdf *
http://www.nclabor.com/wh/yec.doc

The youth must fill in the following on the form:
a) Name
b) Address and telephone number
c) Gender, age, and birthdate
d) Social Security number

The youth must take the form to the youth's prospective employer to get the employer to complete the applicable blocks and sign the certificate.

The youth must get the signature of a parent or guardian.

The youth must bring the completed certificate to the main reception desk at DSS with verification of age by supplying either a birth certificate, driver's license, or learner's permit, insurance records, bible records or other evidence of proof of age.

Youth MUST sign form IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ISSUING OFFICER.

After the issuing officer completes the form the youth must take a copy to the employer and give it to the employer on or before the first day of work.

There are no charges for this service.

*You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the forms. You can dowload it below: