CHILD WELFARE SOCIAL WORKER - FORENSICS UNIT- 40009332, 40009330

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DEPARTMENT:

SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS)

DATE POSTED:

SEPTEMBER 8, 2026

CLOSING DATE:

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

HIRING RANGE:

$66,016.00 - $89,083.00

POSITION NUMBER:

40009332, 40009330

JOB TYPE:

FULL-TIME, EXEMPT

THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A TIERED $4,000.00 CRITICAL POSITION BONUS.

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.

• Investigative Child Welfare Social Workers provide specialized forensic child welfare services for the agency's most complex cases involving allegations and/or substantiated concerns of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other severe forms of child maltreatment, as defined by the General Statutes of North Carolina.
• Conducts comprehensive assessments of child safety, family strengths and needs, and family support systems.
• Utilizes specialized forensic interviewing techniques, child welfare best practices, critical thinking, and professional judgment when assessing allegations and determining the safety and well-being of children.
• Coordinates and collaborates with multidisciplinary community partners involved in complex child abuse investigations, including medical providers and law enforcement and other identified community partners.
• Prepares court summaries and participates in associated court proceedings.
• Demonstrates the ability to integrate child welfare policy, forensic investigative practices, child development, crisis intervention, and legal requirements when making decisions in complex and high-risk situations.
• Must have knowledge of child welfare policies and practices (including but not limited to social work investigation, crisis intervention and family functioning and child development) and be able to integrate this knowledge and skill in judicial and other legal proceedings.

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.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Preference will be given to applicants with bilingual skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires a valid North Carolina driver's license with an acceptable three -year driving record and a vehicle.

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.