[Hiring] Regional Child Welfare Well-Being Specialist @State of North Carolina

Role Description

The Regional Child Welfare Well-Being Specialist supports statewide implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) by working directly with county child welfare agencies to build and sustain a comprehensive prevention system. It provides regional leadership in developing service networks, coordinating referral processes, and ensuring that implementation activities remain timely, fiscally sound, and aligned with the Department’s strategic direction for child welfare.

It delivers technical assistance, training, coaching, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) support to county child welfare programs, while collaborating with prevention specialists, trainers, and subject matter experts to review and refine policies and practices that improve outcomes for children and families. The position also engages internal and external stakeholders to ensure meaningful participation in the design and implementation of the prevention system. When the State assumes administration of a county child welfare program under GS 108A 74, the specialist may temporarily function in a supervisory or administrative capacity to maintain program continuity.

The Regional Child Welfare Well-Being Specialist serves a multi‑county region and supports improved outcomes for children and families in compliance with federal regulations, North Carolina General Statutes, and Administrative Rules and policies.

Key Duties Include:

• Lead regional implementation efforts by assisting county DSS offices in developing prevention service networks and effective referral pathways.
• Coordinate engagement with courts, private agencies, and other external partners to ensure active involvement in prevention system planning and implementation.
• Deliver technical assistance through consultation, coaching, on‑site and off‑site support, and structured guidance to strengthen county prevention practices.
• Conduct CQI activities by reviewing case records, examining data and performance metrics, and supporting county efforts to improve outcomes for children and families.
• Facilitate regional training to enhance county understanding of prevention requirements, implementation standards, and best practices.
• Collaborate with prevention specialists, trainers, and subject‑matter experts to review, formulate, or revise policies and practices that improve system effectiveness.
• Participate in work groups with Division and Department staff and stakeholders to support policy development and system refinement.
• Provide technical and operational support to ensure county program alignment with federal regulations, North Carolina General Statutes, and administrative policies.
• Serve temporarily as a supervisor or administrator in a county child welfare program when the State assumes responsibility under GS 108A‑74.
• Conduct on‑site and virtual consultations to assess county needs, evaluate implementation progress, and promote consistent, high‑quality prevention practice across the region.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expert‑level experience applying North Carolina child welfare statutes, rules, policies, and best practices to guide, consult with, and provide technical assistance to county child welfare staff.
• Proven experience developing and implementing human services programs by designing processes, coordinating stakeholders, and supporting system‑level improvements.
• Demonstrated leadership and management proficiency through directing complex initiatives and coordinating work across multiple agencies or organizational units.
• Applied experience using change‑management and implementation strategies to deliver intensive technical assistance and support continuous quality improvement within county child welfare programs.
• Established record of building partnerships with state agencies, counties, universities, contractors, and community organizations to support systemic child welfare improvements and facilitate professional learning events.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a discipline specific to the program from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in the area of assignment, including two years in a supervisory or consultative capacity.
• OR Bachelor's degree in a discipline specific to the program from an appropriately accredited institution and six years of experience in the area of assignment, including two years in a supervisory or consultative capacity.
• OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits

• Excellent comprehensive benefits including health insurance options.
• Standard and supplemental retirement plans.
• Participation in the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• Paid parental leave available to eligible employees.