Internal Only (CMHRP/CMARC): Permanency Services - Social Worker

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. 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 About This Position Location: HSC SwinburneRaleigh, NC 27610 Employment Type: Regular Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm 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 8/28/2026 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wake County