Social Worker (Protective Services Intake)
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Wilmington, NC
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
202600168
Department
SOCIAL SERVICES
Opening Date
06/29/2026
Closing Date
7/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Information
New Hanover County is accepting applications for experienced Social Worker candidates to join the Protective Services Intake unit. Duties in the Protective Services Intake unit include receiving and screening reports from the public regarding suspected child/adult abuse, neglect, dependency, and/or exploitation to see if they meet legal criteria for Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services assessments; applying crisis intervention techniques and referring supportive services; timely notification to outside partner agencies; entering information into various software systems and ensuring all required documentation, forms, and reports are completed and maintained in a timely and consistent manner following local, state, and federal requirements; gathering agency history to complete record requests from outside agencies; utilizing multiple systems to identify and locate relatives in open protective services cases; working with a small team in a fast-paced environment to ensure mandated coverage of the protective services intake line; and providing exceptional customer service to the public.
About Us:
New Hanover Countys Consolidated Human Services Agency is a single county agency that provides any combination of Public Health and Social Services throughout the county. New Hanover County Public Health is a fast paced environment comprised of a team of dedicated professionals who stay committed to the Countys goal of superior public health and public safety by providing services in the areas of nutrition, personal health, environmental health, school health, maternal health, child health, community health, counseling, epidemiology, lactation, health education and health administration. Ideal candidates for the Health department have an eye for detail, the ability to multi task and shift priorities seamlessly and an overwhelming desire to serve the citizens of our county.
New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, equity, innovation, integrity, stewardship, and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees' backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, and supports equitable and inclusive policies and growth opportunities. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change in the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.
Living in New Hanover County, NC:
New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.
Considering a move here? Check out www.nccareercoast.comfor helpful information on moving to the area.
The hiring range for this position is $60,943 - $80,764.50. Salary will be determined based on qualifications. Bilingual candidates are eligible for a differential (5%) when performing Spanish language interpretation during the course of work.
Trainee Opportunities:
Applicants who meet the required minimum education but lack the required social work experience may be considered, and if hired, will be paid at least the minimum trainee rate of $56,351 and will remain at a trainee rate until the minimum experience qualifications are met. Priority consideration for trainee applicants will be given to those applicants who have completed the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative Program and to those possessing a BSW or MSW. The maximum period for an employee to remain in a trainee status is two (2) years. All experience requirements must be met within two (2) years of employment.
New Hanover County offers:
Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications include the following
MSW from an accredited school of social work or a BSW from an accredited school of social work and 1 year of related social work experience or a four-year degree in a human services field with at least 15 semester hours in courses related to social work and 2 years of related social work experience or a four-year degree outside the human services field and 3 years of related social work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have a valid Drivers License, good driving record, and own transportation at the time of application. If the Drivers License if outside NC, must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License by first date of employment.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
Note: Applicants with economic services caseworker or Probation/Parole Officer experience to count as social work experience, must have a minimum of two years of experience in order to be considered as a trainee. Experience counts as social work experience for one half the time up to one year maximum. For example, one year of experience equals six months of social work experience; two years of experience equals one year of social work experience; and ten years of experience equals five years of social worker experience.
What will make your application Stand out:
Experience with PATH NC and Traverse are preferred.
Licenses/Certifications
Valid NC Drivers License and good driving record.
Other Information
North Carolina Child Welfare Work:
Watch a introduction into the daily life of a social worker and learn what it takes to make a profound impact on your community. This information is provided by the UNC School of Social Work, and the video can be found by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/Ybjt65VnAIg
Hours:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Hours are subject to change
All position assignments must be available to work during emergency situations.
Application Status:
Applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. Please be sure to check your email for this communication so we may proceed with the next step in the recruitment process in a timely manner. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal
In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.
New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to include
Benefit options for eligible positions include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, flexible spending accounts, voluntary term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness policies. Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, including our benefit rates, please click here.
Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.
Note: All positions listed as temporary, casual part time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits. Part-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits.
01
Select your highest level of education from the information below:
02
Do you have an MSW or BSW through the NC Welfare Collaborative?
03
How many years of social worker experience in a county or municipal social services agency do you have?
04
How many years of social work experience outside of a county or municipal agency do you have?
05
If you indicated that you have social worker experience outside of a county or municipal social services agency, please tell us how that experience relates to the duties of a social worker in a protective services unit.
06
Please indicate the social worker units in which you have had work experience.
07
If you do not have the minimum social worker experience to meet the minimum requirements, are you interested in being hired as a social worker trainee?
08
Have you had your drivers license suspended for any reason in the last three years?
Required Question
Employer New Hanover County
Address 230 Government Center Drive - Suite 135
Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403
Phone 910-798-7178
910-798-7178