Child Protective Services Program Manager

Wake County (NC)•Raleigh, NC

28d•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Protective Services (CPS) Program Manager provides strategic, operational, and supervisory leadership for a CPS section responsible for assessment and in-home services. The Program Manager ensures that child safety, well-being, and permanency are prioritized through high-quality social work practice aligned with North Carolina law, state Child Welfare policy, federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) expectations, and county goals. This position leads a team of CPS Supervisors and provides direction, coaching, and accountability to support effective case decision-making, timely service delivery, and positive outcomes for children and families. The CPS Program Manager is part of the Child Welfare Leadership Team and collaborates closely with internal and external partners, including law enforcement, the courts, medical and behavioral health providers, schools, and community-based organizations. The position plays a key role in performance management, workforce development, and continuous quality improvement to strengthen practice, promote staff resilience, and support sustainable change. Wake County Child Welfare is a team of committed, resilient, and mission-driven professionals who believe that every child deserves to be safe, supported, and connected to family. We work in a fast-paced environment where collaboration, critical thinking, and compassion guide our decisions every day. Our staff show up for children and families and for each other. We value learning, reflective supervision, and a culture where questions are welcomed and growth is encouraged. As we continue to strengthen practice and innovate through Path NC implementation and the state's Program Improvement Plan, we are looking for leaders who bring steadiness, integrity, and a heart for service. If you are energized by building strong teams, supporting staff, and improving outcomes for children and families, you will find a meaningful home here. 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!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
Five years of job-related experience, including three years of supervisor 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.

Nice To Haves

Supervisor experience in a Child Protective Services Program at a State or County Department of Social Services
Master degree in Social Work or a related field
Ability to delegate
Communicates effectively
Strong knowledge of Federal and State Child Welfare Policies and Procedures
Analytical thinker and problem solver
Effective conflict resolution
Teamwork/cooperation
Leadership and strategic planning
Adaptable
Takes initiative
Creative and
Knowledge of human resource Management and employee development
Customer service oriented

Responsibilities

Provides direct supervision, coaching, and performance evaluation for CPS Supervisors
Establishes expectations for high-quality practice, documentation, timeliness, and engagement with families
Ensures staff receive policy training, ongoing professional development, and reflective supervision
Oversees daily operations of the CPS section, including staffing, caseload allocation, and workload balance
Monitors case flow to ensure safety assessments, service plans, court actions, and permanency planning occur timely and effectively
Approves high-risk decisions, safety responses, placement decisions, and case closures
Serves as on-call backup on a rotational basis to support after-hours operations and decision-making
Uses data dashboards and case review findings to identify trends, strengths, and areas of improvement
Implements performance improvement strategies aligned with the federal CFSR outcomes
Ensures compliance with state and federal mandates, local operating procedures, and accreditation or auditing standards
Serves as a liaison with internal departments and external partners
Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings, court proceedings, and community collaborations
Promotes a culture of respect, shared accountability, trauma-informed engagement, and staff well-being
Leads change management efforts as systems, policies, and practice requirements evolve