Employment Counselor

County of Wake, NC; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County’s Work First program seeks an Employment Counselor to empower families toward self-sufficiency through counseling and advocacy. The role supports clients in moving from welfare to employment, with a focus on documenting services and coordinating referrals using NCFAST and NCWorks Online.

The in-person training program lasts about two months, followed by ongoing performance targets and a 95% QA requirement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of customer service principles, needs assessment, and satisfaction evaluation.
• Ability to operate office equipment and technology (Microsoft Office, NCFAST, and document management systems).
• Ability to negotiate with customers toward self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities

• Gathers information on client household, employment skills, interests, and barriers.
• Reviews information to determine job readiness.
• Discusses routes to employment with specific goals.
• Develops a flexible, realistic employment plan with the participant.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Two years of job-related experience

Equivalent education and experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

NCFAST

Electronic document management system

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

Doyou want to help families in Wake County thrive? Work First isNorth Carolina's plan to help families stay offof welfare or transition fromwelfare into jobs. We are seeking an exceptional Employment Counselor tobe a member of the Work First Employment Services Team.

TheEmployment Counselor empowers clients to move towards self-sufficiency throughcounseling and advocacy.

Primaryduties will be:

• Gathers information regarding client and family's household composition, employment skills, interests, and barriers
• Reviews information provided to determine job readiness
• Discusses participants route to employment with specifics outlined to obtain goals
• Develops a flexible and realistic employment focused plan with the participant that promotes self-sufficiency
• Updates and revises the agreement as changes occur
• Prepares and maintains written narratives of participant's activities and supportive services to assist participants to transition into successful long-term employment
• Educates and disseminates employment and work focused activities
• Utilizes participants previous work history/activities to arrange present and future service needs
• Empowers participants in their goals to make decisions that will promote self-sufficiency
• Uses NCFAST and NCWorks Online computer systems to document services and provide referrals
• Conducts interviews as required by program rules

The candidate is required towork in-person for the first 6 months and meet a 95% QA accuracy rating.

If selected for thisposition, our Division provides intensive face to face training for new hires –i.e., program, systems, etc. Formal training normally takes 2months from its start date. Training requires testing in some areas with apassing grade expectation, normally 80% upon completion of this trainingprogram. Additionally, you would be expected to attend at least 95% ofour new hire training. This training is mandatory and is provided to assist inyour success as a new employee.

NOTE: Wake County employees actively support and participate in department emergency preparedness and response activities, which may include temporary changes in responsibilities and working hours.

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)

• Bachelor's degree
• Two years of job-related experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree (Social Work or Sociology)
• Two years of job-related experience

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

• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services (includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction)
• Ability to utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs (e.g. Microsoft Office, NCFAST, and electronic document management system)
• Ability to negotiate with customers a plan working toward self-sufficiency

About This Position

Location: HSC SwinburneRaleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8 am- 5 pm

Hiring Range: 26.82 - 32.79

Market Range: 26.82 - 38.76

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 11/18/2026

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 for employment 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 job requirements. 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, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.