Child Protective Services Supervisor

County of Wake, NC; Zebulon (NC); On-site; USD 69,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Department of Social Services seeks a Child Protective Services Supervisor to oversee a CPS Social Work team and to supervise a second team in the absence of the assigned supervisor. The role requires leadership and a strong foundation in MSW practice.

The position demands flexibility to work beyond standard hours, with readiness for emergency preparedness responsibilities and ongoing training. Minimum qualifications include an MSW and three years of related experience.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) required.
• Three years experience in counseling or social work.
• Valid Driver's License and a "safe" driving record.
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of CPS Social Workers and a secondary team when the primary supervisor is unavailable.
• Lead, guide and train staff working with child welfare cases and mandated duties.
• Assist staff with balancing statutory requirements, policies, protocols, and documentation.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Conflict resolution

Interpersonal skills

Education

MSW

BSW (alternative)

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

The Child Welfare Division of Wake County Department of Social Services is currently seeking a Child Protective Services Supervisor. This position will be responsible for supervising a team of CPS Social Workers. In addition, the Supervisor will also be responsible for supervising another team, in the absence of the assigned supervisor.

Additional responsibilities for the CPS Supervisor:

• Leading, guiding and training staff to work with limited child welfare experience, seasoned workers with a BSW or MSW and related degrees
• Identifying ways to assist workers with keeping up with the many demands in Child Welfare that include, but are not limited to, statues, state and county policies and protocols, etc., while keeping up with an abundance of mandated paper work and training

The supervisor of the position must be flexible and able to work beyond the normal 8:30 am to 5:15 pm work day, which means supervisors work along side their staff, until the work is done.

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.

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)

• Masters degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Three years experience in counseling or social work
• 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)

• Master's degree in Social Work or equivalent education and experience combination is accepted
• At least three (3) years of experience supervising in assessment, in-home or foster care
• Applicants should have three (3) years of experience supervising staff
• Experience doing home visits with the following communities: mental health, juvenile justice, or probation

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

• Knowledge, skills and ability to supervise staff who serve families on an assessment level and coordinating services to help parents provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children
• Ability to have conflict resolution skills, and the ability to help staff engage non-voluntary clients
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills, builds and maintains positive productive relationships with the community, peers, colleagues, management teams to include operational managers, consultants, providers and suppliers
• The ability to be confrontational in a professional manner at all times
• Knowledge, skills, training, abilities and competencies in the two main functions of CPS which are (assessment and in-home services

About This Position

Location: Eastrn Regional CenterZebulon, NC 27597

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm

Hiring Range: 69,421 - 93,720 Commensurate with Experience

Market Range: 69,421.00 - 118,020.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 11/9/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. 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. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County's FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 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 foremployment 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 jobrequirements. 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.