Social Worker Ii; Hopwa

Social Worker II (HOPWA) -

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals who deliver essential services that strengthen and support our diverse community. As the heart of the fast‑growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play.

Department: SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS)

Date Posted:
January 6, 2026

Closing Date:
January 20, 2026

Salary Range: $52,730.00 - $89,577.00

Hiring Range: $52,730.00 - $71,154.00

Position Number:

Job Type: FULL‑TIME (37.5 HOURS, EXEMPT)

The HOPWA Social Worker position provides housing‑focused case management, assessment, eligibility determination, and supportive services for individuals and families living with HIV who are experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or hardships. This position delivers services across the Short‑Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility payments program (STRMU), Permanent Housing Placement (PHP), and Tenant‑Based Rental Assistance program (TBRA) through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

• Conduct assessments and determine appropriateness for STRMU, PHP, or TBRA.
• Providing ongoing housing‑focused case management, including monthly home visits, to those individuals meeting the eligibility criteria outlined by HUD, stability planning, crisis intervention, and service coordination.
• Track all incoming calls, referrals, and inquiries from providers and individuals seeking HOPWA assistance.
• Provide STRMU financial assistance service, including reviewing all documents and urgent housing needs.
• Assist participants with finding and securing permanent housing under PHP and TBRA, including coordinating housing inspections.
• Work directly with landlords and utility vendors.
• Make referrals to internal and external partners.
• Partner with Ryan White HIV providers, Durham County Public Health, CAARE, Lincoln Community Health Center, Duke and UNC Infectious Disease Clinics, and other agencies to ensure coordinated care.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Skilled in conducting assessments, crisis intervention, advocacy, and problem‑solving.
• Knowledge of housing case management, homeless services, and community resources.
• Understanding of HIV‑related confidentiality, stigma, and trauma‑informed care.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate complex regulations and program requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reports, case notes, and professional interactions.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Skill in building collaborative relationships with community resources, state agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and protection of sensitive client information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and case management systems to manage data, documentation, and reporting.

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field such as social work, counseling, psychology, special education, deaf education, rehabilitation counseling or marriage and family therapy from an appropriately accredited institution and one (1) year of experience in social work, counseling, preferably with the client population;
• Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of experience in counseling or a related human services field providing experience in the techniques of casework, group work, or community organization; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment‑related and/or SBI fingerprint‑based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.

• Seniority Level: Entry level
• Employment Type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job Function:
  Other
• Industries:
  Government Administration