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WC
Wake County Government
Internal Only (CMHRP/CMARC): Permanency Services - Social Worker
Career Insights for Family / School / General Social Worker
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Based on North Carolina data
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What they do
A Family, School, or General Social Worker provides specialized assistance to vulnerable families and children. Intervenes in crisis situations; evaluates individual and family needs, helps clients get access to health care, mental health care or social services such as housing assistance. Advocates for clients and provides follow up visits. May work with teachers, parents and school administrators to help students improve academically and deal with social issues such as bullying.
$60,960 / year median in North Carolina
+14% projected growth
Job Description
What You'll Be Doing This posting is open only to employees in Wake County CMHRP and CMARC programs that will no longer serve as a provider after December 31, 2026. 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. This role blends direct engagement, critical decision-making, complex case coordination, and advocacy, all within a policy-driven, professional environment. About the Role As a Permanency Services Social Worker, you will guide youth in foster care toward safety, stability, and long-term success. You'll partner closely with caregivers, community providers, schools, and courts to ensure each youth has the support, skills, and resources they need. The position requires strong documentation, critical thinking, family engagement, and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. Why This Work Matters Adolescents in foster care are navigating schooling, identity, relationships, and the path toward adulthood while coping with instability or trauma. The right Social Worker can dramatically influence their long-term outcomes by offering safety, stability, encouragement, advocacy, and lifelong connections. If you're passionate about empowering youth, strengthening families, and ensuring every adolescent has a chance to thrive, we want to hear from you. Essential Duties & 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 Conduct regular home visits with children, parents, and caregivers; supervise family visitation as required 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 Work Schedule Primarily Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:15 PM, with flexibility required for court hearings, family meetings, evening visits, and travel. This role often requires working outside of standard hours, and this expectation is stated upfront to ensure transparency. Travel Travel throughout the state and occasional out-of-state travel is required. Emergency Service Worker Designation This position is designated as an Emergency Service Worker and may be required to report during emergencies. 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 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) Direct Permanency Services, Foster Care, or Child Protective Services experience Experience facilitating multidisciplinary or family meetings Experience with adolescents, independent living skills, or LINKS programming Experience preparing formal reports or testifying in court Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required How Will We Know You're 'The One'? 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