Mecklenburg County Government
Child Welfare Specialist I - CPS Intake
Mecklenburg County Government, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 28245
Overview
Please note therequired work schedule days and hours.
Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career!!
Apply by Sunday, January 25th, 2026.
Salary Range: $25.06 to $31.33 per hour. This is a non‑exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture, and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Position Specific Information Youth and Family Services Division (YFS) of the DSS Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (CFAS) provides a variation of services to safeguard children by strengthening the protective capacities of families whose children’s health, safety and well‑being are at risk. The mission of DSS is to strengthen families and communities through a safety‑net of services, collaborations, and hope. The Department’s vision is to define and cultivate an organizational culture that is more compassionate and understanding toward each other and our clients. YFS firmly believes the people who do this work are our most important resource. As such, children and families deserve trained, skillful professionals to engage and effectively assist them. If you have a passion for social work and making a difference in your local community, come join our Youth and Family Services team!
Location and Schedule Position: Child Protective Services Intake Social Worker.
Address: 10101 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262.
Work onsite full time Sunday – Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Position is expected to cover/work on approximately 3 holidays per year.
Job Description The CPS Intake Social Worker 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.
Key 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 elevate urgent cases immediately. Consult with supervisors on complex or borderline cases.
Notifications & Compliance:
Complete mandatory notifications to Law Enforcement, District Attorney, 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.
Essential Functions
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 well‑being 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.
Attend 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; 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.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related.
Recently we changed our degree requirements and now accept a larger variety of Human Services degrees such as Clinical Social Work, Counseling, Criminology / Criminal Justice, Gerontology, Human Development Learning, Human Services, Psychology, Social Science, Sociology, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation.
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes.
Licenses and Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License; Requires County Driving Privileges.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
General social work principles and available resources; social services procedures, practices and methods; social services related federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to provision of public assistance, and social welfare; case management methods and techniques; services offered by the county and other local public and private community-based service agencies.
Skills:
Evaluating records to ensure accreditation standards are met; exercising judgment and discretion; maintaining various confidential records; managing and executing multiple tasks; possessing strong communication skills; prioritizing work.
Abilities:
Adaptability; building customer loyalty; building partnerships; building trust; care management; communication; customer focus; decision making; inspiring others; managing conflict; work standards; computer skills—Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
Work Environment Works in an office setting with moderate noise.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career!!
Apply by Sunday, January 25th, 2026.
Salary Range: $25.06 to $31.33 per hour. This is a non‑exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture, and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Position Specific Information Youth and Family Services Division (YFS) of the DSS Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (CFAS) provides a variation of services to safeguard children by strengthening the protective capacities of families whose children’s health, safety and well‑being are at risk. The mission of DSS is to strengthen families and communities through a safety‑net of services, collaborations, and hope. The Department’s vision is to define and cultivate an organizational culture that is more compassionate and understanding toward each other and our clients. YFS firmly believes the people who do this work are our most important resource. As such, children and families deserve trained, skillful professionals to engage and effectively assist them. If you have a passion for social work and making a difference in your local community, come join our Youth and Family Services team!
Location and Schedule Position: Child Protective Services Intake Social Worker.
Address: 10101 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262.
Work onsite full time Sunday – Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Position is expected to cover/work on approximately 3 holidays per year.
Job Description The CPS Intake Social Worker 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.
Key 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 elevate urgent cases immediately. Consult with supervisors on complex or borderline cases.
Notifications & Compliance:
Complete mandatory notifications to Law Enforcement, District Attorney, 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.
Essential Functions
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 well‑being 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.
Attend 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; 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.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related.
Recently we changed our degree requirements and now accept a larger variety of Human Services degrees such as Clinical Social Work, Counseling, Criminology / Criminal Justice, Gerontology, Human Development Learning, Human Services, Psychology, Social Science, Sociology, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation.
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes.
Licenses and Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License; Requires County Driving Privileges.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
General social work principles and available resources; social services procedures, practices and methods; social services related federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to provision of public assistance, and social welfare; case management methods and techniques; services offered by the county and other local public and private community-based service agencies.
Skills:
Evaluating records to ensure accreditation standards are met; exercising judgment and discretion; maintaining various confidential records; managing and executing multiple tasks; possessing strong communication skills; prioritizing work.
Abilities:
Adaptability; building customer loyalty; building partnerships; building trust; care management; communication; customer focus; decision making; inspiring others; managing conflict; work standards; computer skills—Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
Work Environment Works in an office setting with moderate noise.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
#J-18808-Ljbffr