(SOCIAL SERVICES) Social Worker III - CPS Trainer

Sampson County•Clinton, NC

About The Position

Sampson County Department of Social Services is hiring a Social Worker III – CPS Trainer to serve as the primary trainer and mentor for new and existing Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Workers. The role focuses on preparing staff to perform their responsibilities confidently and effectively, with particular emphasis on child welfare and foster care practice. The trainer develops and leads onboarding and continuing education covering policy, best practices, safety procedures, documentation, and legal requirements. The position supports staff through hands-on learning, shadowing, case consultation, and constructive feedback; conducts case reviews to identify service-delivery gaps; and helps staff apply interventions suited to the needs of vulnerable children and families. The trainer works with the Social Work Supervisor III and other team leaders to align training with agency goals, improve performance, and support retention. The role contributes to greater consistency, confidence, and competence across the foster care team. The agency describes its environment as supportive and collaborative, emphasizing innovation, professional development, compassion, and service to the community. Salary begins at $58,596 per year, with a benefits package. A completed NC State Application form (PD-107) and college transcripts are required. The application deadline is November 16, 2026. Offers are conditional on satisfactory pre-employment alcohol and drug testing. Sampson County is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and will employ only U.S. citizens or legal aliens authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

Master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work; or one of the stated alternative education and experience combinations: bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school plus completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative for child welfare positions, or one year of directly related experience; master's degree in a human services field plus one year of directly related experience; bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university plus two years of directly related experience; or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university plus three years of directly related experience.
Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.
Considerable knowledge of medical, behavioral, and/or psychosocial problems and their treatment theory; family and group dynamics; intervention techniques; community organizations and resources; and applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
General knowledge of methods and principles of casework supervision and training.
Skill in establishing rapport with clients and assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client problems.
Ability to supervise, train, or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and families and with civic, legal, medical, social, and religious organizations.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.
Ability to lead by example, evaluate performance, and provide constructive feedback.
Application requires the NC State Application form (PD-107) and college transcripts.
Employment offer is conditional on satisfactory pre-employment alcohol and drug testing.
Must be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien authorized to maintain employment in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Thorough knowledge of child welfare practices, especially foster care.
Strong interpersonal, coaching, and training skills.
Bilingual skills; preference may be given to applicants with bilingual skills.
DSS experience; preference may be given to applicants with DSS experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary trainer and mentor for new and existing CPS Social Workers.
Develop and lead onboarding and ongoing training programs covering policy, best practices, safety procedures, documentation, and legal requirements.
Coach, guide, and support staff through hands-on learning, shadowing, case consultation, and constructive feedback.
Conduct case reviews, identify service-delivery gaps, and help staff apply interventions that meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.
Partner with the Social Work Supervisor III and other team leaders to align training efforts with agency goals, improve performance, and support retention.
Help enhance consistency, confidence, and competence across the foster care team.
Supervise, train, or instruct lower-level social workers, students, or interns as needed.