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

What You'll Be Doing

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 from 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 educational, health, and overall well-being of children in foster care or receiving CPS In-Home 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 a Child Protective Services - Social Worker to join our team of dedicated professionals, in the Serious Injury Sex Abuse unit, that protect children and enhance their well-being by supporting and strengthening families.

Essential Functions

• Conduct CPS assessments to determine if children have been maltreated and need protective services
• Provide protective services to help families keep children who have been maltreated safely at home whenever possible
• Maintain ongoing contact with children and families per state policy during assessment
• Ability to utilize effective communication skills when interviewing victim children
• Present case factual findings to the team on a regular basis
• Place children in foster care when no other means are adequate to protect them

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.
• Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
• NC Child Welfare Preservice Training
• Child Welfare experience in a NC Department of Social Services, Child Welfare Division
• Experience working with a diverse population
• Experience with the delivery of services to community citizens within their living environment
• Experience in testifying in court
• How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
• Maintain social, ethical, and organizational principles

Build and maintain positive, productive relationships with colleagues, providers, the community and other professionals

Use appropriate interpersonal skills and methods to reduce tension and resolve conflict in complex situations while adhering to statute and policy

• Make decisions without regard to that 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: Northrn Regional Center Wake Forest, NC 27587
• Employment Type: Regular
• Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm
• Hiring Range: 29.60-50.33
• Market Range: 29.60 - 50.33
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
• Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 1/16/2026
• What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

• Background Check Statement
• Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents.

The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast.

Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms.

Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center.

Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

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.