Permanency Services - Social Worker - Tiered Sign On Bonus Up To $5,000

About the role

Wake County Child Welfare serves over 500 children in foster care. We are seeking a dedicated, skilled Permanency Services Social Worker to support youth and families during critical transitions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments to determine youth and family strengths, needs, safety considerations, and permanency options
• Develop individualized case plans jointly with youth and their families, incorporating their input, strengths, and goals
• Facilitate Child and Family Team meetings, Permanency Services Reviews, and introductory meetings between parents and foster parents
• Maintain ongoing communication with youth, parents, foster caregivers, service providers, schools, and community support to ensure safety, well-being, and case plan progress
• Coordinate referrals and ensure delivery of needed medical, dental, mental health, academic, and developmental services
• Participate in concurrent planning to support timely permanency, including reunification, guardianship, adoption, or placement with relatives/fictive kin
• Prepare documentation in accordance with state and county policy, including day sheets, assessments, court reports, time sheets, mileage logs, and other required records
• Testify at adjudications, permanency services hearings, and termination of parental rights proceedings, providing clear and accurate information to the court
• Educate social workers and community partners on the needs of older youth in foster care and advocate for appropriate services

Requirements

This position is designated as an Emergency Service Worker and may be required to report during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field
• Three years of job-related experience
• Completion of the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC) traineeship can be substituted for 1 year of experience
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record

Skills

Knowledge of child development, trauma, family systems, and NC Child Welfare policy
Ability to plan and organize work, manage multiple tasks, and maintain timely documentation
Strong written and verbal communication, including preparing legally defensible reports
Conflict resolution and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with families and partners
Ability to make sound, policy-aligned decisions in time-sensitive situations
Professional integrity, accountability, and effective use of supervision
Cultural humility and ability to engage diverse youth and families
Resilience, adaptability, and ability to navigate change in a dynamic environment

Benefits

Commensurate with Experience

Pay

30.34 - 51.58

Schedule

Primarily Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:15 PM, with flexibility required for court hearings, family meetings, evening visits, and travel.