Senior Social Worker — Child Welfare & Adoption

Durham County; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham County Government in Durham, NC is seeking a seasoned social worker to provide intensive services in child welfare, adoption, and foster care across diverse settings.

The role involves assessing family needs, serving as an expert witness in court, preparing court summaries, adoptive preplacement assessments, and recruiting adoptive families. A Master’s in social work (or equivalent) and related experience are required; NC driver’s license and willingness to travel statewide are needed.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work or equivalent education.
• Experience in child welfare systems and adoption.
• Ability to present and testify in court.
• Experience coordinating with foster care and guardianship services.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide social work services in child protection, adoption, and foster care.
• Assess family dynamics; act as expert witness at court hearings.
• Prepare court summaries and adoptive preplacement assessments; recruit adoptive families.
• Maintain thorough case documentation and collaborate with community agencies.
• Deliver counseling and crisis intervention; participate in research activities.

Skills

Child welfare practices

Family dynamics assessment

Adoption experience

Foundations of adoption

Written and oral communication

Attention to detail

Confidentiality handling

Judgement

Flexibility and travel

Empathy and assertiveness

Organizational skills

Permanency commitment

Education

MSW degree

BSW + Child Welfare Collaborative

BSW + 1 year related experience

MSW + 1 year related experience

BA in human services + 2 years

BA in any field + 3 years

Job description

Durham County Government in Durham, NC is seeking a seasoned social worker to provide intensive services in child welfare, adoption, and foster care across diverse settings.

The role involves assessing family needs, serving as an expert witness in court, preparing court summaries, adoptive preplacement assessments, and recruiting adoptive families. A Master’s in social work (or equivalent) and related experience are required; NC driver’s license and willingness to travel statewide are needed.