Child Protective Services – Social Worker

Wake County Health and Human Services Child Welfare Division has three federally mandated goals. The first goal is safety - children will be protected from harm, child abuse, and neglect. The second goal is permanence - children entering foster care will be reunited with family or placed in a new permanent home as quickly as possible. The third goal is well-being - the education, health, and overall well-being of children in foster care or receiving CPS services will be enhanced. Federal, state, and local policy dictate that Child Welfare seeks to accomplish these three goals by supporting and strengthening families. We are currently seeking Child Protective Services - Social Workers to join our professional team of Assessors.  Essential functions include:

•  Conducting CPS assessments to determine if children have been maltreated and need protective services
• Providing protective services to help families keep children who have been maltreated safely at home whenever possible
• Placing children in foster care when no other means are adequate to protect them
• Reunifying children with their families whenever possible while looking for alternate permanent homes through adoption when necessary
• Developing behavioral based safety plans
• Testifying in court when needed

Positions available in multiple locations throughout Wake County  NOTE: Wake County Health and Human Services employees are required to be in their current role for a minimum of one (1) year to be eligible to apply for another Human Services position. Upon acceptance of employment you acknowledge that (i) you will rescind your application for any other positions within Wake County Human Services, (ii) after accepting your position with Wake County Human Services you must remain in your role for one(1) year before you are eligible to apply for another position within Wake County Health and Human Services, (iii) if you work in the Health Clinics and Public Health Division, influenza immunization is a condition of initial and continued employment, subject to compliance with federal law, (iv) actively supports and participates in department emergency preparedness and response activities, which may include temporary changes in responsibilities and working hours.

About Our Team

Wake County Health and Human Services (WCHHS) is the consolidation of programs and services that include social services, public health, job search assistance, child support, and transportation. Our mission is, in partnership with the community, will 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 Health and Human Services (WCHHS) 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 Human Services implementing new and exciting enhancements to our services and programs.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
• Three (3) years of related experience; completion of the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC) traineeship may be substituted for 1 year of experience
• A valid driver's license and a safe driving record may be required
• Equivalent education or experience is accepted

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Human Service
• Child Welfare experience as a Child Protective Services assessor or in-home
• Experience writing safety plans
• Experience with a diverse population
• Experience in testifying in court

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

Ability to:

• Firmly adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles
• Build and maintain positive, productive relationships with peers, colleagues, managers, providers, the community, and other professionals
• Weigh alternative actions and make decisions that incorporate opinions, facts, tangible and/or intangible factors
• Deal with others in difficult and complex situations to achieve resolution or adherence to laws and/or regulations
• Use appropriate interpersonal skills and methods to reduce tension and resolve conflict
• Make decisions without regard to personal prejudices, biases, and experiences
• Deal with high stress situations calmly and effectively
• Recognize and respect the value of individual differences at all levels of the organization

About This Position

Location: Positions available in multiple locations throughout Wake County Employment Type: Regular Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am-5:15pm Hiring Range: $24.43-$32.99 commensurate with experience Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 12/24/2021