Prevention - Social Worker - Tiered Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000

What You'll Be Doing

The 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 and families. Federal, state, and local policy dictate that Child Welfare seeks to accomplish these three goals by supporting and strengthening families. The Wake County Child Welfare Family Support Program currently serves over 700 families & individuals in an effort to preserve families.

The Prevention - Social Worker is responsible for providing voluntary services for families’ transition to independence through the use of strengths-based approach to social work practice; endorsement and application of community resources and the provision of information and referral for services. In addition to providing case management and other family strengthening services, the Prevention - Social Worker advocates for clients in other areas such as education, child-care, housing, employment, and diverse public systems. The Prevention - Social Worker will also provide mandated Child Welfare Permanency Planning Services for families based on Intercounty Agreements.

Essential Functions:

• Routinely conduct home visits to observe, assess, document and monitor the conditions, level of functioning, well-being and/or risk of the children and family, and services needed. The home visit assessment includes caregiver interactions, disciplinary techniques, communication styles, child development, and level of nurturing, safety, health, budgeting, nutrition/food preparation and home maintenance, etc.
  
• Engage families and other support to assess family’s needs and implement interventions that are goal oriented and achievable. Builds on the strength of the family to assist them in meeting their needs and respond to crisis and stress appropriately. Coordinates and facilitates the provision of family support services to increase life skills. Report incidents of child abuse and neglect, and assist the family in modifying behaviors and/or conditions that contribute to abuse and neglect as necessary
  
• Establishes and maintains healthy, professional relationships to assist families in becoming independent of the child welfare system. Develops strategies to build trust and rapport with families and uses it as a basis in creating a plan to achieve goals
  
• Collects relevant and accurate information required for reporting to assist in the case management function; Documents detailed client contact records to assist in the compilation of a family history and to document progress or lack thereof towards established goals. Complete all necessary documentation in a timely manner. Regularly assists in analyzing the collected information and actively participates in team meetings that focus on family assessment, family development planning and service agreement development
  
• Regularly maintains relationships with other community agencies, educational institutions, businesses and service providers to advocate for clients. Regularly integrates/links families to informal and formal resources within their community or neighborhood to create natural support systems. Regularly participate in internal and external meetings in spirit of mutual support of families and advocate for needed resources and services and to ensure families are provided with all possible resources available
  
• Attend community/neighborhood meetings and events to keep abreast of new and/or changing programs, projects and community resources. Regularly maintain relations with other community agencies, educational institutions, businesses and service providers to advocate for clients and needed resources. Serve as a representative of the collaborative at community-based events and/or meetings
  
• Facilitate Kinship Care Support Groups/Community Education Workshops, provide service intake on a needed basis, utilize a family-centered approach to promote/increase economic self-sufficiency, decrease dependency, prevent child abuse and neglect, and encourage health and wellness. This role is also expected to work closely with the Family Support Respite Services

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
• One year 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)

• Experience with interviewing, screening, and assessing family needs in a Social Services environment
• Community engagement experience
• Resource development experience
• Group facilitation experience

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

• Experience in working with at-risk families
• Knowledge of Coaching and Case Management Techniques to interface & connect with traumatized and difficult to reach families
• Skilled at 1:1 coaching, group facilitation, workshop presentation
• Knowledge of child development and the effects of trauma on children and family systems
• Knowledge of Programs and Services for families
• Passion and commitment to father engagement and permanency for children
• Possess strong interpersonal and customer services skills; able to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with peers, colleagues, managers, providers, the community and other professionals
• Ability to respond to and manage ever-changing requirements and priorities with flexibility and a positive attitude; use appropriate interpersonal skills and methods to reduce tension and resolve conflict
• Experience in community outreach and engagement

About This Position

Location: Eastrn Regional Center Zebulon, NC 27597

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 6/30/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

Background Check Statement

Emergency Service Worker Statement