Foster Care Worker - Burke County

A Christian Foster Care Ministry serving Western North Carolina is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Foster Care Social Worker to provide case management services to foster children and families in Burke County. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in close partnership with the Burke County Department of Social Services (DSS) to strengthen and sustain a foster care program serving Burke County. 

This role is centered on supporting foster families locally and helping ensure children are able to remain in their county of origin—maintaining vital connections to their schools, communities, and natural support systems. The ideal candidate is collaborative, organized, and passionate about improving outcomes for children and families through community-based care.

Essential Functions:

• Provide direct supervision and ongoing support to assigned foster families, including coaching, guidance, follow-up, and accountability in accordance with structured home visit requirements 
• Work in close collaboration with Burke County DSS to ensure coordinated, responsive, and effective services for children and families 
• Serve as a liaison between foster families and DSS, strengthening communication and fostering a team-based approach to care 
• Maintain a caseload of no more than 10 foster children and 10 foster families 
• Provide intake and ongoing casework services for assigned children, including coordinating services to support physical, mental, and behavioral health needs 
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized service plans to ensure appropriate interventions and progress toward permanency goals 
• Conduct monthly face-to-face visits with each assigned foster child (or more frequently as needed) to support case plan progress 
• Maintain consistent communication with foster families and service providers, including phone consultations as needed to address emerging needs 
• Support foster families and children in achieving service plan goals, ensuring progress is clearly documented and regularly reviewed 
• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner in compliance with agency policies and North Carolina state regulations 
• Respond to emerging needs and challenges with professionalism, sound judgment, and a solutions-focused approach 
• Participate in an on-call rotation, providing after-hours support and responding to emergency situations as needed 

Why Join Us?
This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a transformative, community-based effort in Burke County. You will play a critical role in supporting foster families, strengthening partnerships with DSS, and helping children remain safe, stable, and connected to the place they call home.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field 
• Experience in child welfare, foster care, or family services preferred 
• Knowledge of North Carolina child welfare system and regulations strongly preferred 
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills 
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively and work both independently and collaboratively 
• Commitment to supporting children and families within their local community 
• Valid NC driver’s license and reliable transportation 

Reports to - Foster Care Worker Supervisor

What We Offer:

• Meaningful, mission-driven work that directly impacts children and families 
• Opportunity to be part of a collaborative effort with Burke County DSS to strengthen local foster care services 
• Ability to support children in remaining connected to their home community 
• Supportive team environment and professional development opportunities 
• Competitive salary and benefits package