What You'll Be Doing

Wake County Child Welfare has over 500 children in foster care. Currently, the Child Welfare division has over 150 children in foster care (in the legal custody or placement responsibility of Human Services) with a plan of adoption. We are currently recruiting for a Permanency Services - ICPC and ICPC Permanency Planning/Adoptions

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children [ICPC] regulates the interstate movement of children. The Compact ensures protection and services to children who are placed across state lines for foster care or adoption. It also provides for securing an evaluation of a prospective placement before the child is sent outside the state and assures that the sending state retains jurisdiction sufficient to ensure the child receives adequate care and protection.

As an ICPC Adoption Social Worker, your responsibilities will include facilitating the adoption process for both the adopting family and the child who is being adopted. This includes conducting an evaluation of a referred home environment in accordance with applicable requirements of the state in which the home is located, to determine whether a proposed placement of a child meets the individual needs of the child, including the child’s safety, permanency, health, well-being, and mental, emotional and physical development. Upon provisional or final approval of the home supervision/monitoring of the child and the child’s living situation through case closure. The ICPC/Adoption worker also serves as the liaison with the NC ICPC Consultant(s).

This specialized function includes working closely with an array of partnering agencies and organizations to place children in approved homes. In addition to serving as a liaison between the sending state, child and family, social workers specializing in the adoption process, the ICPC worker is also responsible for working with management on research and policy development issues related to advocating for children available for adoption. Data management and analysis is also critical to support positive outcomes for children and families. The position requires flexibility to manage case management functions on nights and weekends to support a family focused approach as appropriate.

In addition, this position may be responsible for managing a modified ICPC/adoption caseload to provide supervision through permanency and serve families within that case until case closure and/or the final adoption decree. To succeed in this position, one must understand the importance of shared parenting and family connections and must understand the importance of achieving timely permanence for youth in foster care. Candidates with NC Child Welfare experience and current NC Child Welfare Pre-Service training are preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Complete and/or facilitate safe and timely Interstate Home Study of parent/family as requested by Sending State
• Conduct at least monthly face to face contact with each child and each ICPC parent
• Access and monitor services to families ensuring the ICPC approved parents are able to effectively meet the needs of the youth placed in their home
• Prepare required reports for the sending state to detail the child’s safety, stability and well-being needs; to include a description of any unmet needs and recommendations regarding continued placement
• Assess and complete pre-placement assessments regarding unlicensed relatives and families that are licensed by Wake County
• Manage an adoption caseload with an array of full foster care/permanency planning responsibilities depending on the needs of the individual child(ren) and family(ies)
• As needed, complete required adoption paperwork with the family and submit to clerk of court within required timeframes; to include post placement visits and consultation

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 in Social Work or related field
• Three years of job-related experience
• Completion of the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC) traineeship can be substituted for 1 year of 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)

• Current NC Child Welfare Pre-Service Training
• Child Welfare experience
• Foster Care and/or Adoption experience
• ICPC Case Management experience

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

• Detail oriented and able to produce accurate documentation
• Advanced critical thinking skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A high level of energy with a results driven attitude suited to work in a fast paced environment
• Detailed understanding of Child Welfare practice
• Strong team member
• Group facilitation
• Must understand the importance of shared parenting and family connections
• Must understand the importance of achieving timely permanence for youth in foster care

About This Position

Location: HSC Swinburne Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:15 pm

Hiring Range: 29.60 - 39.96 Commensurate with Experience

Market Range: 29.60 - 50.33

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

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 8/19/2025

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

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, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

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• Wake County Government

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