1

Public Defender Social Worker Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Per Diem Social Worker

Durham, NC · On-site

$33.50 - $50.30/hr

As the Social Worker - Per Diem, provides medical social services under the direction of a ... Current Driver's License, vehicle insurance, and access to a dependable vehicle or public ...

Seeks to recruit the most highly qualified school social workers for the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) and retain them through excellence in supervision, support/consultation, mentoring ...

Seeks to recruit the most highly qualified school social workers for the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) and retain them through excellence in supervision, support/consultation, mentoring ...

... public. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE * Bachelor's degree in school social work from a ... Experience working with children, youth, and families. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Showing results 21-40

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 2, 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:

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.

$48K - $66K/yr

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago


Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

219th of 639 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools

Job Description

Job Title: School Social Worker Salary Schedule: State Salary Schedule; CHCCS Salary Page Reports To: School Principal Salary Grade: Teacher Work Location: School FLSA Status: Exempt Work Schedule: 10 Month   Position Summary

The goal of the School Social Worker is to use home-school relations as the medium through which an individual student's response to and benefit from the school and its program can be strengthened and improved.

Essential Duties
  • Consults and cooperates with all school personnel (i.e. school psychologists, guidance counselors, nurses, principals, and classroom teachers) in assessing the academic, mental and emotional health of students and in developing appropriate plans for school success
  • Works with students and/or parents relating to the basic social, emotional or physical needs as they affect student attendance, adjustment and school performance in accordance with established laws, rules, and regulations
  • Makes home visits for the purpose of gathering and sharing information on the student
    • Gather information from home visits that will be useful in determining how best to meet the needs of the student and his parents relative to making the school experience more meaningful
  • Performs casework services with individual students to correct those personal, social, or emotional maladjustments related to their educational and social progress and maintains accurate case records and documentation
  • Performs casework services with parents as an integral part of the task of helping students, to increase their parents' understanding, their constructive participation in resolving their child's problems, and their knowledge and use of appropriate resources available
  • Consults and collaborates with school personnel and community agencies in gathering and giving information on a case, and in establishing and planning for respective roles in the modification of the student's behavior
  • Supervises the referral of students to, and serves as liaison with, such outside agencies as the Welfare Department, Child Placement Bureau, and Juvenile Court
    • Works closely with health and welfare agencies to coordinate all services
  • Presents a positive image of the school to parents, and conveys to them the school's genuine concern with the education, growth, and development of each child
  • Assists in developing ways of involving parents in the affairs of the school and the community.  Serves as a channel of communication for relaying the general public to the school
  • Assists families with facilitating the transportation of parents to school and community meetings concerning their children
  • Adheres to professional code of ethics
  • Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor
  • Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures 
Education/Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Social Work required; Master's preferred. (Bachelor's required in order to pursue NC Professional Educator's Licensure)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.
  • Pupil Personnel Services Credential required
  • Minimum one year of supervised employment in the field of school social work with school-age children or one year of supervised field placement experience (accredited by the Council on Social Work Education) in a school mental health setting working with school-age children required
  • Training in clinical interventions and providing evidence-based therapy to youth and families
  • Knowledge of special programs, guidance and scheduling preferred
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs
  • Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone
Disclosure

This document provides descriptive information about the above Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary.  Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. An individual's ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion.  Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.

Updated 8/12/2026







What Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom