Central Intake Specialist

State of Montana • Helena, MT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Child and Family Services Division, is hiring a Central Intake Specialist to support Montana’s child abuse and neglect hotline. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and serves as the central reporting point for allegations of child abuse or neglect across Montana. The role involves gathering and assessing information from callers, determining whether statutory criteria for investigation are present, assigning response priorities, and routing applicable reports to local offices so identified safety threats can be addressed promptly. The specialist also checks and verifies information from multiple data sources to identify additional requirements and escalated safety factors involving alleged victims and field staff.

The position requires in-person training in the Helena office during the first month of employment. Employees are assigned to a day, evening, or overnight shift; assignment to a day shift is not assured. The position is open until filled, with frequent screening of applicants.

Requirements

• Knowledge of social work practices and principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and stressful situations.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related human services field.
• One year of human services experience working with children and families. Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered case by case, but a bachelor’s degree is required.
• A completed six-month internship with Child Protective Services may be accepted in lieu of the required one year of experience.
• Submit a cover letter, resume, and references with the application.
• Successful applicants must pass relevant background checks and reference checks before an offer is extended.

Responsibilities

• Gather information from callers to determine whether statutory criteria for investigation are present.
• Assign priority response times to reports.
• Route applicable reports directly to local offices so identified safety threats are responded to in a timely manner and child safety is ensured.
• Check and verify information from multiple data sources to determine additional requirements, including escalated safety factors involving alleged victims and field staff.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Work/life balance
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• Advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time