Child Welfare Specialist I (CPS Intake)

County of Mecklenburg, NC • Charlotte, NC

2d • $25 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Welfare Specialist I serves as the first point of contact for individuals reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, or dependency. This role is responsible for gathering critical information, assessing risk, and making screening decisions in accordance with state law, agency policy, and child safety standards. The position requires strong analytical skills, trauma-informed communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. This position with the Child Protective Services Intake Unit is located at 10101 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262. Work onsite full time Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 am-8:00 pm. Position is expected to cover/work on approximately 3 holidays per year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work AND one year of social work experience; qualifying internship; successful completion of the NC Child Welfare Collaborative program;
• Master’s in social work;
• Bachelor’s degree in related major AND two years of social work experience;
• Master’s degree in related major AND one year of social work experience.
• Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
• Requires County Driving Privileges
• Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Previous Child Protective Services experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) proficiency oral and written. If applicable, a County required bilingual assessment must be passed to receive bilingual premium pay.

Responsibilities

• Receive and Document Reports: Answer incoming calls regarding suspected child maltreatment. Collect detailed, accurate information from reporters, including child demographics, alleged maltreatment, and household composition. Ensure all required data fields are completed in the case management system.
• Risk Assessment & Screening: Apply state policy and structured decision-making tools to determine if reports meet criteria for CPS involvement. Identify imminent safety threats and escalate urgent cases immediately. Consult with supervisors on complex or borderline cases.
• Notifications & Compliance: Complete mandatory notifications to Law Enforcement (LE), District Attorney (DA), and other required parties within statutory timelines. Generate and send Reporter Letters as required by policy.
• Communication & Customer Service: Engage callers with professionalism and empathy, using trauma-informed practices. Provide accurate information about CPS processes while maintaining confidentiality.
• Documentation: Prepare clear, objective, and comprehensive case notes that support downstream investigations and court proceedings. Ensure documentation meets agency standards for accuracy and timeliness.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with internal units, law enforcement, and community partners as needed. Participate in team meetings, calibration sessions, and ongoing training.
• Assess needs of individuals and/or families and link them to appropriate resources to meet goals and expected outcomes.
• Conduct in home assessments and provide ongoing support (if applicable)
• Assess wellbeing and safety of children
• Facilitate face to face, telephone and virtual contacts with children and families and internal and external community stakeholders to assess safety and risk
• Attending child and family team meetings
• Provide supportive services to kin and resource caregivers
• Assist clients in the completion of required paperwork for items that may determine program eligibility, referrals, or provide job assistance, such as job applications
• Manage records and documentation of services provided and maintain history records and prepare reports
• Provide, find, or arrange for support services, such as childcare, homemaker service, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, job training, counseling, or parenting classes, to prevent more serious problems from developing
• Help clients adjust to changes and challenges in their lives, such as illness, divorce, or unemployment; and research, coordinate and refer clients to community resources, such as food stamps, childcare, and health care (if applicable)
• Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients, and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided and ensure services were effective and situations have improved
• Advocate for clients to get resources that would improve their well-being and help them work with government agencies to apply for and receive benefits
• Refer clients to community resources for services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance and provide guidance
• Transport clients to appointments such as medical, job related or others, if appropriate
• Serve as a liaison between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty; communicate with other staff members regarding referrals and transitioning of clients
• May be required to work varying shifts and weekends
• May be required to staff shelters in the event of a disaster

Benefits

• supportive, inclusive culture
• technology to become the best version of you

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level