Work First - Eligibility Caseworker II
About this role
What You'll Be Doing
Join a team that’s changing lives in Wake County!
The Work First Program is North Carolina’s initiative to help families build stability, move toward employment, and reduce reliance on public assistance. At its core, Work First believes in empowering families to thrive through responsibility, opportunity, and meaningful support.
We’re excited to recruit for a Work First Eligibility Caseworker II—a role that makes a real difference every single day.
You’ll join a dedicated Intake/Review team of eight Caseworker IIs and one Team Lead. This team ensures families receive the support they need by determining initial eligibility for Work First services and completing annual redeterminations. You’ll also work closely with related programs such as Refugee Cash Assistance, 200% Services, and Benefit Diversion. This position offers extensive client interaction—both in person and by phone—reviewing income, work history, education, public assistance background, and family needs. You’ll help households identify their resources, understand available services, and take steps toward self‑sufficiency.
Key responsibilities include:
• Guiding clients toward independence through ongoing Work
First eligibility review
• Managing a small caseload for the Benefit Diversion Program
• Interviewing and processing applications for Work First Cash, Benefit
Diversion, 200% Services, and Refugee Cash Assistance
• Working within NCFAST and OnBase systems to complete and document cases
• Completing a required six‑month in‑office training period (based on
performance)
This role plays an essential part in Wake County’s emergency
preparedness efforts. In the event of an emergency, employees are asked to
assist in readiness, response, or temporary assignments outside standard
duties.
If you’re driven by purpose, energized by helping families, and committed to community impact, we’d love to see you apply.
About Our Team
Wake County Social Services (WCSS) is the consolidation of programs and services that include social services, 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 Social Services (WCSS) 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 Social Services implementing new and exciting enhancements to our services and programs.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- High school degree or GED
- Three years of job-related experience
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- Strong preference for 2 or more years experience determining eligibility in Work First as a Case Manager utilizing NCFAST
- Social Services experience in North Carolina
- Experience interviewing clients in crisis situations and assessing financial needs
- Fluent English skills required and Spanish skills preferred
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- Ability to handle frequent client contact and be flexible and adaptable in an environment with frequent changes
- Excellent interviewing and assessment skills
- Expertise in counseling clients in crisis situations
- Knowledge of community resources
- Proficient with basic computer skills and the aptitude to learn new software
About This Position
Location: HSC Swinburne Raleigh, NC 27610 USA
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8:15 am -5:15 pm
Hiring Range: 25.79 - 30.08
Market Range: 25.79 - 34.37
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 6/22/2026
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 home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. 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. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 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.
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