What You'll Be Doing
Wake County Human Services Child Welfare Division has three federally mandated goals. The first goal is safety: children will be protected from harm from child abuse and neglect. The second goal is permanence: children entering foster care will be reunited with family or placed in a new permanent home as quickly as possible. The third goal is well-being: the educational, health, and overall well-being of children in foster care or receiving CPS In-Home Services will be enhanced. Federal, state, and local policy dictate that Child Welfare seeks to accomplish these three goals by supporting and strengthening families.
We are currently seeking a
Child Protective Services - Social Worker to join our team of dedicated professionals that protect children and enhance their well-being by supporting and strengthening families.
Essential functions include: - Conducting CPS assessments to determine if children have been maltreated and need protective services
- Providing protective services to help families keep children who have been maltreated safely at home whenever possible
- Placing children in foster care when no other means are adequate to protect them
- Petitioning the court for custody of children when the need arises
- Testifying in court and write court reports
- Assessing allegations of abuse, neglect and dependency
- Documenting within seven days of each contact and maintain tracking forms related to activities pertaining to each case
- Conducting home visits to ensure safety
- Developing a behavioral based safety plans
The strong candidate will enjoy working with children and their families, be confident in being able to assess risk to children by confronting the matter professionally, have strong written communication, oral communication, organizational and decision making skills and have flexible after normal work hours.
About Our Team
Wake County Health and Human Services (WCHHS) is the consolidation of programs and services that include social services, public health, job search assistance, child support, and transportation. Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to facilitate full access to high quality and effective health and human services for Wake County residents. In addition to our numerous standard programs, Wake County Health and Human Services (WCHHS) is engaged in a number of special initiatives that are impacting services and programs throughout our entire agency. Whether legislated down from the changing regulations on the Federal or State level or bubbling up from the entrepreneurial spirit of our staff, you can always look forward to Wake County Health and Human Services implementing new and exciting enhancements to our services and programs.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- 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
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- Master of Social Work with one year experience
- Child Welfare experience as Child Protective Services in-home services
- Experience with a diverse population
- Experience with visiting homes in communities
- Public child welfare experience in a Dept. of Social Services in NC
- Experience working with children/families in a state or court administered agency
- Foster Care and Adoption experience
- Probation or Mental health related experience
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- Maintain social, ethical, and organizational norms
- Firmly adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles
- Build and maintain positive, productive relationships with peers, colleagues, managers, providers, the community and other professionals
- Weigh alternative actions and make decisions that incorporate opinions, facts, tangible and/or intangible factors
- Deal with others in difficult and complex situations to achieve resolution or adherence to laws and/or regulations
- Use appropriate interpersonal skills and methods to reduce tension and resolve conflict
- Make decisions without regard to that personal prejudices, biases, and experiences
- Handle disappointment and/or rejections while still working effectively
- Deal with high stress situations calmly and effectively
- Stay with a job or plan until the desired objective is achieved or is no longer reasonably attainable
- Recognize and respect the value of individual differences at all levels of the organization
- Provide employment and development opportunities equitably to support a diverse workforce
About This Position
Location: Human Services Center Swinburne Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm
Hiring Range: 28.40 - 38.34 Commensurate with Experience
Market Range: 28.40 - 48.28
Posting Closing Date: This requisition is open until filled and may close at any time
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.
