Permanency Services - Social Worker - Tiered Sign On Bonus Up To $5,000

What You'll Be DoingWake County Child Welfare has over 400 children in foster care. Currently, the Child Welfare division has over 175 children in foster care (in the legal custody or placement responsibility of Human Services) with a plan of adoption. We are currently seeking a Human Services Permanency Services - Social Worker to join our team and start making a difference in the lives of children in need.Responsibilities Include Assessing and completing pre-placement assessments regarding unlicensed relatives and families that are licensed by Wake County Manage an adoption caseload with an array of full foster care/permanency planning responsibilities depending on the needs of the individual child(ren) and family(ies) Responsible for serving families within that case until the final adoption decree is issued by the clerk of court Attend/participate in at least monthly face to face contact with each child and each pre-adoptive parent Responsible for conducting pre-placement assessments with each prospective adoptive family; post-placement visits with child (ren) and family; provide ongoing training and consultation, complete required adoption paperwork with the family and submit to clerk of court within required timeframes Facilitate recruitment planning and events for each child awaiting an identified family Ensuring the adoption record is complete and entered into PRIME (WC electronic case management system) throughout the life of the case and into the appropriate database after the decree is issued Access and monitor services to families ensuring the adoptive parents are able to effectively meet the needs of the youth placed in their home Prepare reports to the court, attend court hearings when required and responsible for educating the adoptive family about post adoption supports About Our TeamThe 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!Required 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 TrainingPublic child welfare experience in a department of Social Service in NCExperience working with children/families in a state or count administered agencyFoster Care and Adoption experienceProbation or Mental health related experience How Will We Know You're 'The One'? Detail oriented and able to produce accurate documentationAdvanced critical thinking skillsAbility to multi-task and prioritizeMust possess excellent verbal and written communication skillsA high level of energy with a results driven attitude suited to work in a fast paced environmentDetailed understanding of Child Welfare practiceStrong team memberGroup FacilitationMust understand the importance of shared parenting and family connectionsAbility to understand the importance of achieving timely permanence for youth in foster care About This Position Location: Southrn Regional Center Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526Employment Type: RegularWork Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pmHiring Range: 29.60 - 39.96 Commensurate with ExperienceMarket Range: 29.60 - 50.33Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 5/19/2026 What Makes Wake Great Equal Opportunity Statement Background Check Statement Emergency Service Worker Statement What Makes Wake GreatConsistently 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 StatementWake 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 StatementPosition 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 StatementIn 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.