CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER - PERMANENCY PLANNING (BILINGUAL)

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 66,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Critical Position Bonus

Job summary

Durham County Government seeks an experienced social worker in the Department of Social Services to provide protective, investigative and counseling services for at‑risk children. You will handle complex cases, coordinate with local agencies and prepare court‑related documentation.

This role requires strong knowledge of child welfare, risk assessment, and the ability to work under pressure. A Master’s in Social Work and relevant experience are preferred; the department offers a challenging,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Substantial knowledge of child welfare practices and family dynamics.
• Experience in casework, treatment, and investigation of abuse or neglect.

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 safety and well‑being.
• Maintains thorough documentation of all case activity and prepares court summaries.
• Works in partnership with other community agencies and participates in associated court proceedings.
• Apply knowledge of child welfare practices, early childhood development and family dynamics.

Skills

Social Work Principles

Federal & State Law

Behavior & Family Dynamics

Community Resources

Interview Techniques

Expert Testimony

Risk Assessment

Negotiation Skills

Child Development

Effective Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Master’s degree in Counseling

Four-year degree in Human Services

Equivalent combination of training and experience

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.

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 13, 2026

Closing Date

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Hiring Range

$66,016.00 - $68,656.00

Position Number

MULTIPLE

Job Type

FULL-TIME,EXEMPT

THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A TIERED $4,000.00 CRITICAL POSITION BONUS.

General Description

This is advanced, professional level casework providing protective, investigative, counseling and case management services for children who at risk for neglect and/or abuse. Employees are assigned to local departments of Social Services and provide social work services including treatment and immediate response to crisis situations for at‑risk children in the most complex cases in the departments. Work involves investigation of alleged neglect and abuse, substantiation of the alleged neglect or abuse as prescribed by federal and state guidelines, providing expert testimony in court hearings, and following-up with case management and preventive services for clients. Employees analyze situations and determine appropriate courses of action immediately or in short time spans and often under very stressful conditions. Employees may provide group, family or individual treatment to clients of any age and any developmental, mental, medical, substance abuse, financial or family problem. Employees typically report to a Social Work Supervisor III under general supervision. Employees may have combined investigative and treatment roles or may have separate functions depending on the size and organizational structure of the departments of Social Services.

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 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.