Permanency Services (Adolescent Team) - Social Worker - Tiered Sign On Bonus Up To $5,000
About this role
What You'll Be Doing
Wake County Child Welfare serves over 400 children in foster care, with more than one-third of them being adolescents or young adults. Our mission is to provide comprehensive services that support children and families in achieving safety, stability, and permanency. Join our dedicated team and make a lasting difference in the lives of youth in need.
We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Permanency Services Social Worker to join our Adolescent Team. This position focuses on serving adolescents and young adults, helping them achieve permanency and stability while working collaboratively with families, service providers, and other stakeholders. If you are ready to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
- Gather and review information to develop comprehensive family assessments
- Schedule and facilitate Child and Family Team meetings and Permanency Planning Review meetings
- Develop individualized family case plans in collaboration with families, incorporating strengths and needs
- Prepare and submit referrals to needed services for children and caregivers
- Ensure all team members, including guardian ad litems, mental health therapists, placement providers, and service providers, have necessary information to initiate services
- Facilitate introductory meetings between parents and foster parents
- Participate in concurrent planning and activities to ensure children achieve permanency in a timely and safe manner
- Conduct regular visits with children, parents, and caregivers to assess safety, strengths, and needs
- Supervise and coordinate visits between children and parents
- Maintain ongoing communication with service providers and family supports to monitor safety, wellbeing, and progress
- Participate in supervision and required meetings, serving on committees as needed
- Complete necessary forms, including day sheets, time sheets, mileage reports, tracking forms, and other administrative documentation
- Prepare and maintain documentation of all services according to established guidelines
- Prepare and deliver court reports
- Provide testimony at various hearings, including adjudications, permanency planning hearings, and termination of parental rights
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)
- Current NC Child Welfare Pre-Service Training
- Public child welfare experience in a Department of Social Service in NC
- Foster Care and Adoption experience
- Resource Parent Curriculum [RPC] Trained
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- Detail oriented and able to produce accurate documentation
- Advanced critical thinking skills
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A high level of energy with a results driven attitude suited to work in a fast paced environment
- Detailed understanding of Child Welfare practice
- Strong team member
- Group Facilitation
- Must understand the importance of shared parenting and family connections
- Must understand the importance of achieving timely permanence for youth in foster care
About This Position
Location: HSC Swinburne Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:15pm with flexible hours as needed
Hiring Range: 30.34 - 40.96 Commensurate with Experience
Market Range: 30.34 - 51.58
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 8/31/2026
What Makes Wake Great
Equal Opportunity Statement
Background Check Statement
Emergency Service Worker Statement
What Makes Wake Great
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.
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.
Company at a glance
Wake County Government provides services including tax collection, library services, local parks administration, planning and permitting, health and human services, law enforcement and more. Wake County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners.
Consistently rated as one of the best places to live and work in America, Wake County, North Carolina is home to NC State University, Shaw University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. Wake County is also the center of state government, with our Capitol Building, legislature and many government offices located in Raleigh.
Wake County is the most populous County in North Carolina. The County consists of 12 municipalities and includes Raleigh, the county seat and state capital. A unique mix of urban and rural small towns distinguishes Wake County from other counties and provides something for every lifestyle.
Top Benefits
- Sign on bonus
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