What You'll Be Doing

The Child Protective Services (Assist) - Social Worker ensures the protection of children who are brought to Child Protective Services' (CPS) attention due to allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or dependency according to North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7B, state and county policies and Wake County's vision and mission statements. The job assesses risk throughout the life of a case and ensures families utilize recommended services that will enable parents to provide appropriate care, discipline, and supervision when cases are closed.

Essential Functions Include:

• Working in partnership with surrounding counties to place children in foster care, when no other means are adequate to protect them
• Conducting CPS assist assessments from surrounding counties to determine if children have been maltreated and need protective services
• Conducting home visits to ensure safety, and developing behavioral based safety plans
• Providing protective services to help families keep children safely at home whenever possible
• Working in partnership with surrounding counties to petition the court for custody of children, if the need arises
• Documenting and maintaining tracking forms of activities pertaining to each case

About Our Team

The Wake County Department of Social Services team is grounded in a deep commitment to connection, compassion, and community. We bring together experienced professionals who collaborate to support individuals and families through complex challenges, connect them with critical resources, and promote long-term stability. We value insight, innovation, and a solutions-focused approach, and we welcome those who are ready to contribute their expertise to meaningful, community-centered work. Join us in making a lasting difference!

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field
• Two years of job-related experience
• Completion of the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC) traineeship can be substituted for one year of experience
• Valid driver's license and "safe" driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Child Welfare experience as an Assessor
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience, and the ability to engage families in safety planning to ensure child safety
• Experience with home visits to clients
• Experience working within the community
• Experience providing services to families who have challenges regarding appropriate parenting
• MSW or equivalent, such as a MS in Counseling

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Maintains social, ethical, and organizational norms
• Firmly adheres to codes of conduct and ethical principles
• Weighs alternative actions and makes decisions that incorporate opinions, facts, tangible and/or intangible factors
• Uses appropriate interpersonal skills and methods to reduce tension and resolve conflict
• Make decisions without regard to that personal prejudices, biases, and experiences
• Deals with high stress situations calmly and effectively
• Recognizes and respects the value of individual differences at all levels of the organization

About This Position

Location: HSC Swinburne Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm

Hiring Range: 26.91 - 36.33 Commensurate with Experience

Market Range: 26.91 - 45.75

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 8/13/2025

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

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• Wake County Government

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