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
DEPARTMENT: SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS)
DATE POSTED: MAY 21ST, 2026
CLOSING DATE: JUNE 4TH, 2026
HIRING RANGE: $64,093.00 - $86,488.00
POSITION NUMBER: 40002125
JOB TYPE: FULL-TIME, EXEMPT
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 In Home Services to families with children who have been found to be abused, neglected or dependent as defined by the General Statutes of North Carolina. Identifies relevant services based on the needs of the family, develops services agreements to address the needs of the family, prepares court summaries and participates in associated court proceedings. Makes difficult agency decisions regarding the removal of children from abusive and neglectful homes. Provides prevention services for families who may be at risk. Must have knowledge of child welfare policies and practices including but not limited to social work assessments, crisis intervention, family functioning and child development.
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.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: Candidates with bilingual skills preferred.
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.
Job Tags
Full time, Work experience placement