Adult Guardianship - Social Worker

What You'll Be Doing

Make a Real Difference in Your Community — Join Wake County as an Adult Guardianship Social Worker!

Are you passionate about advocating for vulnerable adults and ensuring they receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve? Wake County is looking for a committed and compassionate Adult Guardianship – Social Worker to serve as a surrogate decision-maker for adults declared incompetent by the Wake County Clerk of Court.

In this vital role, you will guide and protect adults who cannot make decisions for themselves. You’ll assess needs, coordinate essential services, and step in during critical moments to help improve clients’ quality of life. If you thrive in a role with deep purpose and real impact, we want to hear from you!

What You’ll Do Every Day

• Conduct thorough needs assessments and make informed decisions about medical care, social engagement, and safe living arrangements
• Provide crisis intervention and effective problem-solving to support your clients during urgent or unexpected situations
• Ensure each client has consistent access to personal necessities and safeguard belongings during changes in residence
• Complete and maintain all required state, county, and court documentation and reporting
• Advocate for your clients by helping them secure all benefits for which they qualify
• Stay informed through required and recommended trainings to ensure compliance with evolving policies and procedures
• Attend guardianship court hearings and provide professional testimony as needed
• Participate in a weekly rotating after‑hours on‑call schedule with 16 other Adult Guardianship Social Workers

If you’re driven by purpose, fueled by compassion, and ready to be a lifeline for some of Wake County’s most vulnerable residents, this role offers the opportunity to make a profound impact — every single day.

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
• Two years of job-related 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)
• Social Work experience with disabled adults and or experience with an Adult Guardianship program.

Master's degree in Social Work and one (1) or more years of experience working with at least one of the following populations in the field: the elderly, or adults with mental illness, intellectual developmental disabilities, or substance abuse

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work and three (3) or more years of experience working with at least one of the following populations: the elderly, or adults with mental illness, intellectual developmental disabilities, or substance abuse

• How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
• Adaptability
• Keen attention to detail
• Knowledge of basic office technology
• Initiative
• Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills
• Integrity
• Exceptional interpersonal Skills
• Accountability and tenacity
• Expertise in report writing
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

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
• Market Range: 29.60 - 50.33
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
• Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 6/21/2026
• 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.