Social Services Specialist (Youth & Family Services)

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

1d•$26 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Mecklenburg County’s Youth and Family Services Division (YFS), within the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, works to safeguard children by strengthening the protective capacities of families whose children’s health, safety, and well-being are at risk. The Social Services Specialist supports court-ordered supervised visitation by helping create a positive environment for children, parents, and siblings to spend time together. The Specialist observes and documents interactions among children, foster parents, birth parents, and other family members; assesses safety concerns before and during visits; and uses conflict-resolution skills to manage challenging situations. The position also provides direct assistance to clients to facilitate access to services and service delivery. Depending on assignment, this may include transporting clients, gathering information, and providing general customer service. The role maintains client records and files, communicates with the public and clients, explains services, keeps current on available resources, prepares reports, and schedules appointments. The schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is located at 3205 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208. The salary range is $25.53 to $28.24 per hour; this is a non-exempt hourly position. Pay rates are based on education, skills, experience, and internal equity. The application deadline is November 9, 2026.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in a related field.
High school diploma or GED; relevant education and relevant experience may be combined.
Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license.
County Driving Privileges.
Knowledge of customer service, modern office practices and equipment, social service programs and community resources, and computer programs.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of files and case information.
Documentation skills.
Ability to communicate professionally with the public, clients, and coworkers.
Ability to respond to clients with empathy, active listening, and problem solving.
Ability to assimilate and apply new job-related information in a timely manner.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with others and maintain good working relationships.
Ability to build trust through interactions that give others confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization.
Ability to manage time and resources effectively so work is completed efficiently.
Data-entry skills and intermediate use of various computer applications.
Ability to perform essential functions satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

At least two years working with children and families in various settings.
Experience in daycare, child-care settings, or social services roles involving children.
Demonstrated ability to manage significant local and out-of-county travel, including safely transporting children to visitations and scheduled appointments.

Responsibilities

Assist with data entry, file maintenance, and copying client information.
Communicate daily with the public.
Explain services to clients clearly and effectively.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of available resources.
Prepare reports as needed.
Maintain records of services provided and contacts with clients.
Schedule appointments as necessary.
Support court-ordered supervised visitation by creating a positive environment for children and family members.
Observe and document interactions among children, foster parents, birth parents, and family members during supervised visits according to policy.
Assess safety concerns before and during visitations.
Use conflict-resolution skills to manage challenging situations.
Provide direct assistance to clients to facilitate access to services and service delivery; duties may include transporting clients and collecting information.