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

What You'll Be Doing

Wake 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 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)

• Serving families 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
• Conducting pre-placement assessments with each prospective adoptive family as well as post-placement visits with child(ren) and family

Providing Ongoing Training and Consultation

• Completing required adoption paperwork with the family and submit to clerk of court within required timeframes
• Facilitating 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

Accessing and monitoring services to families ensuring the adoptive parents are able to effectively meet the needs of the youth placed in their home

Preparing reports to the court, attend court hearings when required and responsible for educating the adoptive family about post adoption supports

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)
• Current NC Child Welfare Pre-Service Training
• Public Child Welfare experience in a department of Social Service in NC
• Foster Care and Adoption experience
• Resource Parent Curriculum [RPC] Trained
• How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
• Detail oriented and able to produce accurate documentation
• Advanced critical thinking skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A high level of energy with a results driven attitude suited to work in a fast paced environment
• Detailed understanding of Child Welfare practice
• Strong team member
• Group facilitation
• Must understand the importance of shared parenting and family connections
• Must understand the importance of achieving timely permanence for youth in foster care

About This Position

• Location: HSC Swinburne Raleigh, NC 27610
• Employment Type: Regular
• Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm
• Hiring Range: 29.60 - 39.96 Commensurate with Experience
• Market Range: 29.60 - 50.33
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
• Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 4/14/2026
• What Makes Wake Great

Equal Opportunity Statement

• Background Check Statement
• Emergency Service Worker Statement

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently 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 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.