Child Welfare Specialist III (Domestic Violence Unit)
About The Position
This is a specialized Child Welfare Specialist III position within the Domestic Violence Unit of Mecklenburg County’s Youth and Family Services Division. The role provides community-based services to individuals, groups, families, and communities facing issues that may include child or adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation; mental health concerns; poverty; unemployment; substance abuse; rehabilitation; social adjustment; housing; childcare; and medical care. Under general supervision, the position evaluates and assesses risk and safety issues, provides case management, counseling, and referrals, and assists clients with complex needs. Some cases may require a higher-level skillset. The position works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to promote children’s safety, permanency, and well-being. It involves managing complex assessments and cases, developing and reviewing service plans, and documenting services and outcomes. The work location will be determined at the time of offer. Occasional work after 5:00 p.m. and weekend availability may be required; varying shifts, weekend work, and disaster shelter staffing may also be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and one of the following: three years of social work experience; a qualifying internship; or successful completion of the NC Child Welfare Collaborative program.
- Alternatively, a master’s degree in Social Work; a bachelor’s degree in a related major and four years of social work experience; or a master’s degree in a related major and three years of social work experience.
- A bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related major is listed as the education requirement; relevant education and experience may be combined.
- Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license.
- County Driving Privileges.
- Strong assessment and interviewing skills, excellent communication and writing skills, ability to partner with multiple community agencies, and ability to work with families who have experienced trauma.
- Advanced knowledge of social services procedures, practices, methods, work principles, and available resources.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations relating to public assistance and social welfare.
- Knowledge of case management methods and techniques and services offered by county and community-based public and private agencies.
- Skill in evaluating records for accreditation standards, exercising judgment and discretion, maintaining confidential records, managing multiple tasks, communicating, and prioritizing work.
- Advanced computer skills, including various applications in Microsoft Office Suite.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree.
- Oral and written proficiency in Spanish and English.
- Completion of The Art of Narrative Interview: Skills for Meaningful Engagement, Understanding and Screening Trauma, and Safe & Together Model Domestic Violence Training; similar training may be considered for out-of-state candidates.
- Two years of Child Protective Services investigation experience within the last five years.
- Experience in forensic interviewing.
- Experience collaborating with community partners, including law enforcement, medical professionals, and other specialized partners.
- Experience promptly identifying threats to children’s safety and engaging necessary protective actions.
Responsibilities
- Assess and provide appropriate services for complex child abuse and neglect cases involving mental health, domestic violence, human trafficking, and substance abuse issues.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.
- Assess individual and family needs; provide individual and group counseling and services; and discuss goals, expected outcomes, and ways to achieve them.
- Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients, conduct follow-ups, assess service quality and quantity, and determine whether services are effective and situations have improved.
- Transport clients to medical, job-related, or other appointments when appropriate.
- Refer clients to community resources, including job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, and financial assistance, and provide practical information about accessing services.
- Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to identify causes of truancy or misbehavior and implement solutions.
- Monitor residential facilities for compliance with licensure standards, provide technical assistance, and investigate complaints against licensed facilities.
- Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups to assess their situations, capabilities, and problems and determine needed services.
- In consultation with management, make decisions on behalf of children and families impacted by child abuse or neglect.
- Assist with onboarding new staff and provide quality support and training to staff.
- Manage complex cases and assessments.
- Maintain records and documentation of services, maintain client history records, and prepare reports.
- Work varying shifts and weekends when required.
- Staff shelters in the event of a disaster when required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
