CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER- 40001451

Durham County; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 66,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government's Social Services (DSS) department in Durham, NC invites applications for a Child Welfare Social Worker. The role focuses on keeping children safely at home, supporting families, and preventing foster care entry, with duties including court summaries and collaboration with community partners.

The position requires a MSW with experience or a related degree and relevant experience; Durham County emphasizes equal opportunity, ADA accommodations, and a strong commitment to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience
• Master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience
• Four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience
• Graduation from a four-year college with four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling or related field
• One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative

Responsibilities

• Provides services to children and families to maintain children safely in their homes and prevent entry into foster care
• Maintains thorough documentation of all case activities and prepares court summaries
• Works in partnership with other community agencies and participates in court proceedings
• Employs expert negotiation and case management techniques to support families in need
• Assesses risks and safety of the client environment and engages families in the assessment process

Skills

Social work principles

Court preparation

Documentation

Communication

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Family dynamics

Case management

Community collaboration

Public policy knowledge

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Master's in counseling field

Four-year human services degree

Social Work Collaborative credit

Job description

Join Durham County Government
Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov .

DEPARTMENT:

SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS)

DATE POSTED:

OCTOBER 7, 2026

CLOSING DATE:

NOVEMBER 7, 2026

HIRING RANGE:

$66,016.00 - $89,083.00

POSITION NUMBER:

40001451

JOB TYPE:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

Provides services to children and families to maintain children safely in their homes preventing entry into foster care. This position also provides services to children in the legal custody of the Department of Social Services who require reunification, relative placement, adoption and/or termination of parental rights. Makes diligent efforts to achieve permanency for children while monitoring their safety and well-being. Maintains thorough documentation of all case activities. Works in partnership with other community agencies. Prepares court summaries and participates in associated court proceedings. Considerable knowledge of child welfare practices, early childhood development and family dynamics are needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their applications to complex casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect of children.
• Thorough knowledge of policies and procedures as evidenced by the ability to cite the authority of federal and state law.
• Thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior, family dynamics, and medical, behavioral and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.
• Ability to interact and motivate a resistant involuntary client population and the public who may not agree with the laws, rules or policies of the process or the programs.
• Ability to prepare documentation such as written investigative reports for the court, case records and treatment plans.
• Ability to testify as an expert witness, employ advanced case management interview techniques to establish a supportive relationship and involve families in the initial assessment for the need of services.
• Ability to quickly assess the risks and safety of the client environment during daylight hours, after dark and in high crime areas.
• Ability to employ expert negotiation skills in the most complex cases.
• Ability to analyze and assess child development safety issues in relation to risk factors.
• Ability to analyze tense family situations and make decisions about removing children when the decision has to be made with limited direct information and limited access to consultation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish supportive client relationships.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of social work experience; or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and two years of social work or counseling experience; or Master’s degree in a counseling field and two years of social work or counseling experience; or a four-year degree in a human services field or related curriculum and three years of social work or counseling experience; or graduation from a four-year college or university and four years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling or a related human service field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work or community organization; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.One year of work experience can be credited for completion of the social work collaborative.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Requires a valid North Carolina driver’s license with an acceptable three-year driving record and a vehicle.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer