CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER - PERMANENCY PLANNING

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 64,093 - 86,488; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government is seeking a full-time social worker in Durham, North Carolina. The role involves providing critical services to children in legal custody as well as documenting case activities and participating in court proceedings. Ideal candidates possess a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work and relevant experience. Knowledge of child welfare practices and strong negotiation skills are essential. A valid North Carolina driver’s license is required. Salary ranges from $64,093 to $86,488, depending on experience.

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 experience.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Provides services to children in legal custody requiring reunification and placement.
• Maintains documentation of all case activities.
• Prepares court summaries and participates in court proceedings.

Skills

Social work principles

Child welfare practices

Family dynamics

Negotiation skills

Documentation preparation

Education

Master’s degree in social work

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Degree in counseling field

Degree in human services field

Job description

Department

SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS)

Date Posted

JANUARY 8, 2026

Closing Date

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Hiring Range

$64,093.00 - $86,488.00

Position Number

MULTIPLE

Job Type

FULL-TIME, EXEMPT

Duties and Responsibilities

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 activity. 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 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.

Special 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.