Social Worker III - Foster Care

Overview

Social Services – Foster Care position within the Social Services Department. This listing provides information about duties, qualifications, and application process for Burke County.

This position provides social work services to families by collaborating and coordinating with social workers to provide services and programs within the Foster Care division of the Social Services Department. Position requires approximately 40 hours of work per workweek.

To successfully perform this position, an individual must be able to perform the following:

• Enforces all relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures
• Interacts with and assists individuals via telephone, text message, email, or in person to provide support, information, and assistance with documents, programs, or services maintained and administered by the Social Services Department
• Prepares and reviews court reports, orders, and court-related documents
• Directly participates in seeking placement for children who are in the custody of the Department
• Oversees, schedules, and supervises visits between parents or guardians and children
• Make required home visits to evaluate progress on case plans and goals, and maintain required contact with child’s placement to ensure all needs are being met
• Attend Permanency Planning and Shared Parenting meetings with clients
• Communicates and assesses individuals  needs based on their individual circumstances; provides individuals with referrals as needed
• Staff cases with supervisor on a regular basis to ensure cases are maintained appropriately
• Electronically or manually prepares and records documentation and forms, examining such documents for accuracy and completeness with regard to all relevant laws and regulations
• Rotates on-call responsibilities within the Foster Care team
• Maintains necessary certifications and licenses by attending trainings, course work, or continuing education
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

• Bachelor Degree
• At least four (4) years of experience in social services, human services, or another related field providing the necessary knowledge and skill to perform the services of this position

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver s license.
• In accordance with the North Carolina House Bill 612, candidates will be required to undergo an SBI fingerprint criminal background investigation.

• Standard vision requirements, with or without corrective lenses
• Occasionally lifts up to fifty (50) pounds
• Occasionally spends time climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling, and engaging in repetitive motions
• Routinely lifts up to ten (10) pounds
• Routinely spends time standing, walking, sitting, and reaching with hands or arms
• Frequently spends time speaking or hearing and using hands or fingers to handle, feel, type, or text
• Occasional exposure to some disagreeable elements (i.e., dust, heat, fumes, cold, or noise)
• Exposed to some disagreeable elements
• Occasionally exposed to wet, humid conditions
• Routinely exposed to outdoor weather conditions
• Subjected to serious mental effort and potential stressful situations during day to day operations

• Proficient in spoken and written English
• Ability to express and exchange ideas through verbal communication
• Ability to convey detailed instructions loudly, accurately, and/or quickly
• Ability to receive detailed instructions or information through verbal communication
• Ability to prepare and analyze written or computer data
• Ability to operate and use systems, technologies, motor vehicles, and machines required to perform duties of this position
• Ability to observe general surroundings and activities
• Ability to apply guidelines, policies, and procedures
• Demonstrates analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates organizational and time management skills

Burke County paper applications can be obtained at the Human Resources office, located at 200 Avery Ave. Morganton, NC, Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm; online applications are available at:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Completed applications should provide a complete work history, including a detailed and thorough list of job duties. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Burke County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

Job
Category Social Services
Status Open
Salary Hiring Range: $59,842.00 - $71,822.00 ($28.77 - $34.53 per hour)
Posted January 29, 2026 8:00 AM
Closing Open Until Filled

• Download Application
• Apply Online