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Public Defender Social Worker Jobs in Raleigh, NC

WCPSS

Social Worker

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS ...

WCPSS

Social Worker

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS ...

WCPSS

Social Worker

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); * Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C ...

WCPSS

Social Worker

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); * Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C ...

WCPSS

Social Worker

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); * Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C ...

WCPSS

Social Worker

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS ...

WCPSS

Social Worker

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS ...

WCPSS

Social Worker (Interim)

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS ...

WCPSS

Social Worker (Interim)

Cary, NC · Hybrid

Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); * Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Defender Social Worker JobsPublic Defender Social Worker Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Public Defender Social Worker information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$33.5K

$74.1K

$113.7K

How much do public defender social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender social worker in Raleigh, NC is $74,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,300.00 and $88,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender social worker?

Public Defender Social Workers are professionals who work alongside public defenders to support clients facing criminal charges. They assess clients’ social, mental health, and environmental needs, and connect them to community resources such as housing, counseling, or substance abuse treatment. Their goal is to address underlying issues that may have contributed to a client’s legal situation, advocate for alternatives to incarceration, and support rehabilitation. By providing holistic support, they help ensure fairer legal outcomes and promote client well-being.

How does a public defender social worker typically collaborate with attorneys and clients during case preparation?

Public Defender Social Workers work closely with defense attorneys to gather comprehensive background information about clients, assess psychosocial needs, and develop mitigation strategies. They interview clients and their families, coordinate with community service providers, and prepare detailed reports that can inform case strategy or sentencing recommendations. Regular meetings with attorneys are common to ensure all relevant client needs and circumstances are considered, promoting holistic advocacy and better legal outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender Social Worker, you need a background in social work (often an MSW), licensure (such as LCSW), and strong knowledge of criminal justice and case management. Familiarity with case management software, court documentation systems, and risk assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to advocate for vulnerable clients are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for effectively supporting clients through the legal system, connecting them with resources, and promoting fair outcomes.

What is the difference between Public Defender Social Worker vs Public Health Social Worker?

AspectPublic Defender Social WorkerPublic Health Social Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), state licensureMaster's in Social Work (MSW) or related field, licensure often required
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, courts, public defender officesHealthcare facilities, community health agencies
Employer & IndustryLegal system, government agenciesHealthcare, public health departments
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Defender Social Worker vs Public Health Social Worker

Public Defender Social Workers focus on assisting clients within the legal system, providing social services related to legal cases. In contrast, Public Health Social Workers work in healthcare settings, promoting community health and disease prevention. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different populations and environments.

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Public Defender Social Worker jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Public Defender Social Worker job openings:

Public Defender Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Social Worker job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,132 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Social Worker

Wake County Public School System

Cary, NC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Wake County Public School System rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 639 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Overview
POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)
SOCIAL WORKER
WORKING TITLE
Social Worker
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Counseling and Student Services (CaSS)
LOCATION
Crossroads II, Cary, NC
PAY GRADE
Guidance Counselors/Social Worker Salary Scale
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
Yes
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is eligible for hybrid telework workweek
POSITION PURPOSE:
Works to ensure that Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) is implementing a comprehensive program that addresses student attendance, homelessness, barriers to learning, student behavior, and mental health issues. Provides equitable delivery of social work services under the framework of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
  • Comprehensive knowledge of school social work and comprehensive school social work programs;
  • Comprehensive knowledge of current local, state, national, and global trends in school social work;
  • Considerable knowledge of program evaluation to support continuous improvement;
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
  • Skills in creating and managing effective presentations, including the capability to use relevant technology;
  • Effective crisis response skills;
  • Effective strategic planning skills and experience supporting system-level improvement;
  • Effective time management and organizational skills;
  • Strategic problem-solving skills;
  • Ability to facilitate effective meetings;
  • Ability to support a collaborative working environment;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, community groups, vendors, external agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in school social work from a regionally accredited college or university.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator's License for school social work;
  • Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of North Carolina requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in Social Work;
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW);
  • Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) credential;
  • Experience that incorporates comprehensive and integrated school social work services;
  • Experience providing crisis and suicide prevention and intervention;
  • Active in professional school social work associations (NASW and/or NCSSWA).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Ensures a comprehensive and equitable delivery of school social work services in consideration of system priorities and in a manner consistent with guidelines for professional practice and codes of ethics, adhering to relevant laws, policies, and lines of authority.

School Social Workers:
    • Conducts assessment of student needs and parental involvement;
    • Promotes regular school attendance;
    • Conducts home visits;
    • Promotes safe, caring, and drug free schools;
    • Empowerment of/advocacy for students;
    • Provides culturally competent services;
    • Provides appropriate services for homeless students;
    • Provides individual counseling;
    • Facilitates group counseling;
    • Promotes positive self-esteem;
    • Teaches anger management and impulse control;
    • Social skills training;
    • Substance abuse prevention;
    • Provide crisis intervention services;
    • Participate in the development of behavioral modification plans;
    • Provide short/long-term case management services to individual students;
    • Provides referrals to community agencies and coordinates services;
    • Coordinates services with other disciplines within the school;
    • Participates in transition planning for students;
    • Coordinates pregnancy prevention programs;
    • Coordinates dropout prevention programs.
  2. Participates in the district-level crisis team (including on-call crisis coverage and event response), school social leadership team, and school social work professional learning teams.
  3. Collaborates with school personnel, other central services departments, parents, and community agencies to provide information and assistance pertaining to student attendance, student behavior, and mental health.
  4. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force.
EFFECTIVE DATE:4/2026
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

What Wake County Public School System employees say

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About Wake County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976

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