What You'll Be Doing

The Child Protective Services 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 job functions and responsibilities include:

• Conducting CPS assessments to determine if children have been maltreated and need protective services
• Conducting interviews with children, parents/caretakers and nonresident parents; interfacing during meetings
• 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

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

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

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Child Welfare experience as a Child Protective Services Assessor
• The ability to speak and write fluently in both Spanish and English
• Experience with a diverse population
• Experience with visiting homes in communities
• Experience in testifying in court
• Experience writing behavioral safety plans

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

• Ability to maintain social, ethical, and organizational norms
• Ability to firmly adhere to codes of conduct, ethical principles, adherence to laws and/or regulations
• Strong communication skills, both oral and in writing
• Skillset to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with colleagues, providers, the community and other professionals
• Ability to weigh alternative actions when making decisions
• Ability to deal with stress, difficult and complex situations and achieve resolution
• Ability to use appropriate interpersonal skills and methods to reduce tension in high stress situations and resolve conflicts
• Ability to make decisions without regard to personal prejudices, biases, or experiences

About This Position

Location: HSC Departure Dr Raleigh, NC 27616

Employment Type: Regular

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

Hiring Range: 28.96 - 39.10 Commensurate with Experience

Market Range: 28.96 - 49.24

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

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 6/19/2025

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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