Permanency Services Manager

County of Wake, NC; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 77,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Department of Social Services is seeking a Permanency Program Manager to lead a team responsible for adoption permanency units, ICPC/honestudy, post-adoption services, and child welfare eligibility. The role involves directing five supervisors, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with mandates.

The position emphasizes data analysis, community collaboration, advocacy for youth, and cross-team coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five years of job-related experience, including three years of supervisor experience.
• Equivalent education and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Gathering and analyzing data and benchmarking ideas to improve services.
• Collaborating with community partners to develop resources and maintain relationships.
• Advocating for the needs of youth and communicating effectively to others.
• Building collaborative relationships with other program managers.
• Streamlining communication across teams to identify root causes and solve problems.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's Degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

We are looking for a strong candidate to join us as a Permanency Program Manager who is interested in using their leadership skills to make a real difference in the lives of families in Wake County. Could this be you? Read on to learn more...

The Permanency Services team that will be led by this Manager is comprised of two adoption permanency units, one ICPC/honestudy unit, one post-adoption services unit and one Child Welfare Eligibility team. This individual will be responsible for managing five supervisors and monitoring compliance of our mandates.

Other essential functions include:

• Gathering and analyzing data, benchmarking ideas from other counties to improve services; managing contracts


• Collaborating with community partners to develop resources and maintain professional relationships


• Advocating for the needs of our youth and communicating effectively to others


• Building collaborative relationships with other program managers, which will be essential to your success


• Streamlining communication to multiple teams, and gathering groups of staff to identify root causes and solve problems, collaboratively

This role requires some evening and weekend work. A rotation of on-call manager response is required.

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


• Five years of job-related experience, including three years of supervisor experience


• Valid Driver's License and \"safe\" driving record


• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling or other related degree

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

• Ability to exercise good judgment in appraisal of situations and in making decisions, planning, and directing work activities


• Monitoring/assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action


• Strong communication skills, both oral and in writing


• Strong critical thinking skills


• Ability to manage independent learning of external and internal statutes and policies that impact our work

About This Position

Location: HSC SwinburneRaleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:15pm with flexible hours as needed

Hiring Range: $76,986-$107,784 Commensurate with Experience

Market Range: 76,986.00 - 138,582.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 11/12/2026

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 foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that mayinclude: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on jobrequirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you fromconsideration 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.