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

Wake County Social Services’ Child Welfare Division is seeking mission‑driven, adaptable, and skilled Social Workers who want to make a meaningful impact every day. Our work is guided by three federally mandated goals: Safety – Protect children from abuse and neglect Permanence – Ensure every child has a stable, permanent home Well‑being – Support children’s educational, physical, and emotional health We achieve these goals by strengthening families, applying policy with clarity, practicing critical thinking, and working collaboratively with caregivers, community partners, and the court system. Why Join Wake County Social Services? You’ll be part of a supportive, mission‑focused team that values professionalism, growth, and collaboration. Wake County offers: Comprehensive training, coaching, and clinical supervision Opportunities for internal mobility and career development Competitive benefits and retirement A team culture rooted in communication, shared responsibility, and service to families About the Opportunity As a Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Worker , you play a vital role in ensuring child safety while honoring the strengths, dignity, and cultural backgrounds of families. You will use sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and calm, regulated decision‑making to assess risk, respond to crises, and support families through complex circumstances. This role is both fast‑paced and meaningful. Success requires balancing independence with teamwork, knowing when to seek supervisory consultation, and demonstrating confidence in the decisions you can make autonomously. Strong candidates remain composed under pressure and are able to navigate sensitive conversations while maintaining professionalism. This position supports both CPS Assessments and CPS In‑Home Services , and duties may occur in the office, in the field, in homes, and in court. What You’ll Do Conduct CPS Assessments Evaluate allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency Gather collateral information and apply NC policy to reach clear, evidence‑based decisions Use structured critical thinking to determine safety threats, vulnerability, and protective capacities Decide when circumstances require supervisory consultation versus independent decision‑making Support Strengthen Families (Assessment In‑Home) Provide services that help children remain safely at home whenever possible Build rapport with caregivers and hold difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and professionalism Complete timely, behavior‑based safety plans grounded in policy and family capacity Facilitate ongoing monitoring of safety plans, caregiver progress, and risk reduction Ensure Child Safety Conduct regular home visits, including some evenings and weekends Assess the child’s environment using observation, interviewing, and risk‑assessment tools Respond to crises with calm, regulated decision‑making and clear communication Provide CPS In‑Home Services (If Assigned) Develop and implement Family Service Agreements with measurable goals Monitor caregiver progress, service engagement, and child safety Adjust interventions or safety plans as needed based on ongoing assessment Partner with providers, schools, legal partners, and internal teams to support sustained risk reduction Act When Protective Services Are Needed Facilitate foster care placements when safety cannot be maintained in the home File petitions and initiate legal action when needed to protect children Prepare and deliver concise, factual, and legally defensible court testimony Document Clearly On Time Write accurate, neutral, policy‑aligned documentation Translate complex observations into clear, objective, court‑ready notes Complete documentation within seven days of each contact and maintain tracking systems Collaborate Communicate Work closely with supervisors, colleagues, multidisciplinary teams, and community partners Share timely updates to support coordinated casework Maintain compliance with mandated reporting, confidentiality, and professional/ethical standards What Makes a Strong Candidate Professional Strengths Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong critical thinking and analytical judgment Ability to independently make sound decisions and recognize when supervisory guidance is required Skill in translating observations into objective, defensible documentation Reliability, organization, and effective time‑management Interpersonal Clinical Skills Calm, regulated presence during crises and emotionally charged situations Capacity to build rapport while maintaining professional boundaries Cultural awareness and respect for diverse family systems Comfort navigating conflict, difficult conversations, and complex family dynamics Work Style Values Coachability and openness to feedback Initiative and ownership without needing micromanagement Flexibility with after‑hours, court, or case‑driven responsibilities Commitment to safety, ethical decision‑making, and policy alignment Who Thrives in This Role Ideal candidates may have backgrounds in: Investigations, compliance, or structured policy environments Community or family advocacy Behavioral or mental health fields High‑volume case management or coordination Legal/court writing, victim advocacy, or paralegal work Work Schedule Expectations This role requires flexibility to meet family needs and ensure child safety. Schedules may include: Standard business hours Occasional evening or weekend home visits Court hearings and professional meetings Rotational or case‑driven on‑call responsibilities Make an impact. Bring your strengths. Protect what matters. If you are driven by purpose, capable under pressure, and committed to supporting children and families with integrity, we encourage you to apply. Emergency Service Worker Statement This position is designated as an Emergency Service Worker and may be required to report to work during emergencies or county‑wide events that impact child safety.