Social Worker Trainee

Salary: $39,459.00 - $43,515.00 Annually
Location : Asheboro, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202300915
Department: Social Services
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/19/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


Description
The primary purpose of this position is to learn, train, and gain qualifying experience in the North Carolina Child Welfare system to become fully qualified for appointment to a permanent position as a Social Worker III or Social Worker Investigative/Assessment and Treatment.

Incumbent functions in a trainee status under the tutelage of a Foster Care Social Worker or Child Protection Investigator (Social Worker Investigative/Assessment/Treatment (SW-IAT) to attain proficiency in the below listed duties and become qualified, under the Office of State Human Resources rules for local government, for promotion to a Foster Care Social Worker or Child Protection Investigator (SW-IAT) in Randolph County DSS.

• Investigate alleged abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment of children to determine if abusive or unsafe conditions exist and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of children in accordance with state mandated timeframes.
• Interview children and adults concerning allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment to ascertain the validity of allegations, document living conditions, and determine the need to remove children from an unsafe environment.
• Inform clients of and implement available social service programs to assist them with their needs.
• Conduct follow up visits to ensure the safety of children is being maintained and support programs are in place.
• Testify in court to accurately and concisely relate the circumstances of cases investigated.
• Establish and manage case files to include accurate and timely documentation of investigative activities in the statewide child welfare information system.
• Perform other related duties as required.

To be acquired during the training period:

• Considerable knowledge of the theories and practices used in foster care, child protection, and family support program areas.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing child welfare programs including foster care and child protection.
• Working knowledge of professional ethics related to government child welfare programs.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and county community social service programs available for foster care, child protection, and family support.
• Working knowledge of investigative techniques, processes, procedures, and timeframes.
• Working knowledge of court procedures related to child welfare proceedings.
• Working knowledge of North Carolina child welfare, and Randolph County DSS, policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate information and develop logical conclusions in a timely manner.
• Ability to interview children and adults to determine the validity of allegations.
• Ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor during court testimony and cross examination.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to include preparing documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans in a timely manner.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to use a computer, general computer applications, case management systems, and related software.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Minimum Education and Experience


Graduation from an accredited four-year degree granting college or university. Preferred areas of study include Behavioral Sciences, Community Development, Criminal Justice/Criminology, Education, Health Science, Human Development, Human Sciences, Human Services, Law, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, Social Policy, Sociology, and Social Work.
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