CHEROKEE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
4800 W US Highway 64, Murphy, N.C. 28906
(828) 837-7455 - Fax (828) 837-4152
RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
June 24, 2026
Available
County Pay Grade: 71
Salary Range: $52,284-$77,180
Starting Salary: $55,316.00 (for fully qualified)
(In the event we are unable to recruit a qualified IMC II, consideration may be given to a lesser qualified applicant in a work-against status at a lower rate of pay.)
Closing Date for Receipt of Applications: Open Until Filled
Description of Work: Duties include investigating reports of maltreatment of children by their parent, guardian or caretaker; assessing the ongoing risk to children. The worker would need to use professional judgment in assessing the facts of the case, the extent of the abuse or neglect and the degree of risk to the child in order to determine if protective services should be provided or a petition filed for custody of the child. Duties also include developing family services case plans with the parents and/or caretakers in cases where there has been a substantiation for abuse, neglect or dependency of children. This includes providing, arranging for, and coordinating interventions and services as needed for children ages birth to 18 years of age who have been abused, neglected and/or dependent and to their parents or caregivers in order to focus on child safety and protection, family preservation and the prevention of future abuse, neglect and/or dependency. This worker is responsible for filing petitions where abuse, neglect or dependency has been substantiated and the protection of the court is necessary. Work must be accurate, timely, and done in accordance with federal and state law. Worker must be able to communicate well with clients, supervisors and co-workers and also possess the ability to make independent decisions when needed. Work is performed in cooperative partnership with community service providers, law enforcement, and the court system. Performs related duties as required.
Special Conditions: Requires valid N.C. driver’s license, and a clean driving record. Requires after hours work and on-call duties as assigned.
Minimum Training and Experience: Master’s degree from an accredited school of Social Work and one year of directly related experience or completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative; OR a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative and one year of directly related experience; OR a Master’s degree in counseling from an accredited college/university in a human services field and two years of directly related experience; OR four year degree in a human services field from an accredited college/university and three years of directly related experience; OR graduation from a four-year accredited college or university and four years of directly related experience. College Transcripts should be submitted with application. Prefer completion of Child Welfare in NC Course (Pre-Service Curriculum for New Social Workers and Supervisors).
In the event we are unable to recruit a qualified SW I, A&T a lesser qualified applicant may be hired in a work-against status at a lower rate of pay. Social Worker I, II, & III may be considered. Salary would be based on qualifications.
Application Process: A completed and signed state application (PD-107) must be received by Brandy Clonts, Administrative Assistant for the Cherokee County Department of Social Services, 4800 W US Highway 64 Murphy, NC 28906 on or before the deadline shown above. The application can be obtained and found on-line at the North Carolina Office of State Personnel website (https://oshr.nc.gov/documents/nc-state-government-application-employment-pd-107) or at NCWorks Career Center, 800 West US Hwy 64, Murphy, NC 28906 (formerly NC Employment Security Commission, located next to Waffle King in Murphy). Resumes will not be accepted.
Selection Process: Selection procedures will include detailed review of applications and interviews for most qualified candidates. Reference checks will be conducted on the top candidate(s).
Cherokee County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, genetic information, national origin, and/or veteran or military status. Individuals being offered employment through Cherokee County are subject to drug screening and a background check.
