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Permanency Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Wake, NC

Permanency Services Supervisor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$60K - $77K/yr

The Permanency Planning Placement Supervisor is responsiblefor the supervision, leadership, and oversight of Placement Social Workers whocoordinate and secure appropriate placements and services for ...

A SECOND CHANCE INC

Permanency Supervisor

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Responsible for overseeing the permanency planning meetings and weekly permanency status updates with Program workers and Supervisors. * Provides direct oversight for Permanency Round Table process ...

Child Link

Permanency Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Provide expert consultation on permanency planning, identifying and addressing obstacles to timely placements. * Assist caseworkers in securing appropriate placements and finalizing permanency plans ...

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Permanency Planning information

See salary details

$56K

$103.2K

$157K

How much do permanency planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for permanency planning in the United States is $103,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Permanency Planning, and why are they important?

To thrive in Permanency Planning, you need a background in social work or a related field, familiarity with child welfare laws, and often a relevant license or certification. Proficiency with case management software, documentation systems, and sometimes trauma-informed assessment tools is typical. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and crisis management abilities help professionals build trust with families and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure that children and families receive effective, timely support aimed at achieving stable, long-term living arrangements.

What are some common challenges faced by Permanency Planning professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Permanency Planning professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating complex family dynamics, managing high caseloads, and coordinating with multiple agencies to achieve stable, long-term placements for children. Balancing the needs and best interests of the child with legal and systemic constraints can also be demanding. Success in this role requires strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to build trusting relationships with families and partners. Ongoing training, supportive supervision, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring positive outcomes.

What is the difference between Permanency Planning vs Case Manager?

AspectPermanency PlanningCase Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping and implementing plans for a child's permanent placementManaging and coordinating services for clients' overall needs
Work EnvironmentChild welfare agencies, social servicesHealthcare, social services, community organizations
Required CredentialsSocial work degree, child welfare trainingSocial work, counseling, or related certifications

While both roles involve supporting vulnerable populations, Permanency Planning specifically focuses on establishing permanent solutions for children in foster care, whereas Case Managers oversee a broader range of client needs across various settings. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is permanency planning?

Permanency planning is a process used in child welfare to ensure that children in foster care have stable, long-term living arrangements as quickly as possible. The goal is to provide children with a safe, permanent home—whether through reunification with their birth family, adoption, or guardianship. This process involves assessing the child's needs, working with families, and collaborating with the courts and other service providers. Permanency planning prioritizes the best interests of the child and strives to minimize the time spent in temporary care.
More about Permanency Planning jobs
What job categories do people searching Permanency Planning jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Permanency Planning jobs are:
Permanency Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Permanency Planning job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,218 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Social Worker III- Permanency Planning

McDowell County, NC

Marion, NC • On-site

$52K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary : $52,932.00 - $78,198.00 Annually
Location : Department of Social Services, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202500054
Department: DSS
Division: DSS
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
FLSA: Exempt
An employee in this position provides advanced professional social work services within the Child Welfare Program. Duties involve assessing family functioning, developing and implementing permanency plans, coordinating services, preparing court reports, and ensuring timely achievement of safe and permanent outcomes for children in foster care. Work requires extensive knowledge of child welfare laws, policies, and best practices, as well as the ability to exercise sound judgment in complex family situations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage a caseload of children and families involved in foster care and permanency planning services.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor individualized permanency plans designed to achieve safe, permanent homes for children.
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of family functioning, strengths, risks, and service needs.
  • Facilitate family engagement and maintain regular contact with children, parents, relatives, foster parents, and service providers.
  • Coordinate and participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings.
  • Evaluate potential relative, kinship, guardianship, and adoptive placements.
  • Assess the appropriateness and safety of placement options and recommend permanency goals.
  • Monitor compliance with court orders, case plans, and state and federal child welfare requirements.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed case records, documentation, and service plans in accordance with agency, state, and federal standards.
  • Prepare court summaries, affidavits, petitions, and reports for juvenile court proceedings.
  • Provide testimony in district court regarding case status, recommendations, and permanency planning efforts.
  • Coordinate services with schools, healthcare providers, mental health agencies, law enforcement, attorneys, and community partners.
  • Conduct home visits and face-to-face contacts as required by policy.
  • Participate in placement reviews, permanency planning hearings, and foster care review meetings.
  • Assist youth in foster care with independent living planning and transition services.
  • Ensure compliance with North Carolina Child Welfare policies, federal regulations, and agency procedures.
  • Participate in after-hours, emergency, and on-call coverage as assigned.
  • Attend required training and maintain professional development requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
  • North Carolina Child Welfare policies and procedures.
  • Foster care, permanency planning, adoption, guardianship, and reunification processes.
  • Juvenile law, court procedures, and legal documentation requirements.
  • Child development, family dynamics, trauma-informed practices, and crisis intervention techniques.
  • Community resources and service delivery systems.

Ability to:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with families, community partners, attorneys, court personnel, and other stakeholders.
  • Assess complex family situations and develop appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Prepare accurate and timely reports and case documentation.
  • Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
  • Manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
  • Testify effectively in court proceedings.
Physical Requirements
  • Frequent driving throughout the county and surrounding service areas.
  • Ability to visit homes, schools, foster placements, and community locations.
  • Ability to traverse uneven terrain, climb stairs, and enter various residential environments.
  • Ability to lift and carry files, records, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Minimum Education and Experience
Social Worker III Requirements (North Carolina Child Welfare Classification):
  • Master's degree from an accredited school of social work and one year of directly related experience; or
  • Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and two years of directly related experience; or
  • Bachelor's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and three years of directly related experience; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience as approved by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.
Special Requirements
  • Valid North Carolina Driver's License.
  • Successful completion of required state Child Welfare training.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications and credentials.
  • Subject to criminal background check, reference verification, and pre-employment screening requirements.

Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting, clients' homes, schools, courtrooms, foster homes, and community locations. Position may involve exposure to stressful family situations, crisis intervention, and potentially hazardous environments. Employee must be available for emergency response and after-hours duties as assigned.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. McDowell County reserves the right to revise or amend this job description as necessary.
How to Apply
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED
APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by the McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.
McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions.
McDowell County participates in E-Verify.
Applications are available:
  • on our website:

- under "Job Opportunities"
  • McDowell County Administration Building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752
Applications can be submitted:
  • Online at
  • in person at the County Administration building:

25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752
  • or by Mail to:

McDowell County Human Resources
60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752
  • or by email to:

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We also offer up to 8 weeks of paid family leave to eligible employees.

Apply