Community Development Specialist I

Department of Administration; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Department of Administration in Raleigh, North Carolina seeks a Community Development Specialist I (NS) to lead the Indian Child Welfare Program and ensure culturally appropriate services for American Indian children and families. The role involves program oversight, budget management, and cross‑agency collaboration.

You will expand foster care resources, train prospective foster parents, and build partnerships with tribal communities and state agencies while maintaining ICWA compliance and data

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ICWA and child welfare laws.
• Experience delivering training and program management.
• Strong data tracking, reporting, and Microsoft Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Indian Child Welfare Program, ensuring compliance and culturally appropriate services.
• Oversee program files, reports, data collection, and budget management.
• Expand foster care resources and support prospective foster parents through training and licensure.
• Build partnerships and collaborate with tribal communities, agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Maintain updated databases related to ICWA inquiries and licensed Native foster homes.
• Conduct community outreach, listening sessions, and recruitment within American Indian communities.
• Coordinate committee activities, training materials, and administrative support tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

ICWA knowledge

Cultural competency

Data tracking & analysis

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, political science, business administration, public administration, or related field

Job description

Agency Dept of Administration Division Commission of Indian Affairs Job Classification Title Community Development Specialist I (NS) Position Number 60014903 Grade NC12

The NC Department of Administration is the business manager for North Carolina state government. The department oversees Government Operations such as building construction, purchasing and contracting for goods and services, maintaining facilities, managing state vehicles, acquiring and disposing of real property, and operating auxiliary services such as courier mail delivery and the sale of state and federal surplus property. Additionally, the department manages many of the state's advocacy programs that provide assistance and services to diverse segments of the state's population that have been traditionally underserved.

Description of Work

The North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs (NCCIA) is an advocacy agency within the NC Department of Administration dedicated to serving the needs of American Indian communities across the state. The Commission works to implement and sustain programs that provide aid and protection for American Indians, assist with social and economic development, and promote unity among all American Indian populations. In fulfilling its mandate under N.C. G.S. 143B-406, the NCCIA administers programs that address critical issues facing North Carolina’s American Indian communities. One of the Commission’s key responsibilities is supporting and enforcing the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a federal law that is also integrated into North Carolina statutes to protect the best interests of American Indian children. The NCCIA collaborates with tribal leaders, state agencies, and child welfare professionals to ensure compliance with ICWA, provide education and training, and advocate for policies that prioritize the cultural and familial connections of American Indian children in the foster care and adoption processes. If you are passionate about advocating for American Indian children and families, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact as the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Director.

Work Schedule

This role offers a flexible schedule to accommodate the availability of prospective foster parents, which may include evenings and weekends as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Indian Child Welfare Program, ensuring compliance and culturally appropriate services.
• Oversee program files, reports, data collection, and budget management.
• Expand foster care resources and support prospective foster parents through training and licensure.
• Build partnerships and collaborate with tribal communities, agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Maintain updated databases related to ICWA inquiries and licensed Native foster homes.
• Conduct community outreach, listening sessions, and recruitment within American Indian communities.
• Coordinate committee activities, training materials, and administrative support tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is located at:

325 North Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

This is a Time-Limited, Full-Time Position
This posting will close at 11:59pm the night before the end date.

MAX SALARY FOR THIS POSITION: $56,584 Recruitment Range: $47,703-$56,584

Through its various initiatives, the Commission remains committed to advocating for policies, resources, and programs that empower and uplift North Carolina’s American Indian communities.

Strong understanding of ICWA, American Indian cultures, and child welfare laws.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care and the structure of tribal and child welfare agencies.

Ability to manage programs, deliver training, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Skilled in data tracking, analysis, report writing, and using case management and Microsoft Office tools.

Ability to build relationships, advocate for policy improvements, and solve complex child welfare issues.

Flexible, culturally sensitive, and committed to incorporating American Indian traditions into services.

This role requires a dedicated professional with a strong passion for child advocacy, cultural preservation, and policy development to ensure American Indian children in North Carolina receive the care and protection they deserve.

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCE: Although not a requirement, management prefers leadership experience, preferably in child welfare, social services, or related fields. Experience working with American Indian communities, tribal organizations, or government agencies is highly preferred.

Candidates should be able to:

• Supervise and support staff in implementing programs.
• Manage projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Collaborate effectively with tribal leaders, social service agencies, and community partners.
• Develop and oversee budgets, reports, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrate strong cultural competency, advocacy skills, and commitment to child welfare policy.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, political science, business administration, public administration, or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience related to the specific program assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Employment Incentives with NC State Government

We value our employees and offer a variety of competitive and family-friendly benefits including:

• 12 annual paid holidays
• Health Insurance and Supplemental Benefits including Dental and Vision.
• NC State Retirement Plan

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Contact Information

NC Department of Administration Human Resources Management Office Attn: Human Resources Specialist 325 N Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC27699-1322 Phone: [phone]