Child Welfare Specialist III (Special Victims Unit)

Mecklenburg County Government; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 41,768 - 52,211; Full time

Job summary

The Mecklenburg County Government seeks a Child Welfare Specialist III to join the Special Victims Unit in Charlotte. This position involves conducting investigations into child abuse and neglect, including foster care issues, and delivering community-based services.

Qualified candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with at least three years of experience. Familiarity with trauma, domestic violence, and human trafficking is preferred. Strong communication and case management skills are essential to effectively support families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work and three years of social work experience.
• Master's degree in a related major with three years of social work experience.
• Strong assessment and interviewing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations regarding child abuse and neglect.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure child safety.
• Manage complex cases and maintain records.

Skills

Assessment and interviewing skills

Excellent communication skills

Case management methods

Advanced knowledge of social services procedures

Bilingual proficiency (Spanish and English)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Master’s degree in Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Summary

This is a specialized position within the Special Victims Unit (SVU) as the Child Welfare Specialist III. The role involves conducting investigations regarding child abuse and neglect, including child trafficking, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, fatalities, foster homes, and group homes. The Specialist provides community-based services concerning child and adult abuse, neglect, exploitation, mental health concerns, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, rehabilitation, housing, childcare, or medical care.

Essential Functions

• Assess and provide appropriate services on complex child abuse/neglect cases involving mental health, domestic violence, human trafficking, and substance abuse issues.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure child safety, permanency, and well‑being of children and families.
• Assess needs of individuals and/or families; provide counseling and services in individual and group settings.
• Develop and review service plans, perform follow‑ups, and ensure effectiveness of services.
• Transport clients to appointments as appropriate.
• Refer clients to community resources (job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, financial assistance).
• Consult with parents, teachers, and school personnel to determine causes of truancy and misbehavior, and implement solutions.
• Monitor residential facilities for compliance with licensure standards; investigate complaints against licensed facilities.
• Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups to assess situations, capabilities, and problems.
• Make decisions in consultation with management on behalf of children and families affected by child abuse/neglect.
• Manage complex cases and assessments, maintain records, and prepare reports.
• May work varying shifts, weekends, and staff shelters during disasters.
• Attend trainings as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and at least three years of social work experience; or qualifying internship; or successful completion of the NC Child Welfare Collaborative program.
• Master’s degree in Social Work, or Bachelor’s in a related major with four years of social work experience.
• Master’s degree in a related major with three years of social work experience.
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver’s license and County driving privileges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish and English).
• Completion of NC DHHS: Responding to Child Sex Abuse, The Art of Narrative Interview, Understanding and Screening Trauma trainings.
• Three years of investigation experience within the last five years.
• Familiarity with signs of physical, emotional, and behavioral abuse.
• Experience in forensic interviewing and multidisciplinary collaboration with community partners.
• Experience identifying threats to child safety and engaging protective actions promptly.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong assessment and interviewing skills, excellent communication and writing skills.
• Ability to partner with multiple community agencies and work with families who have experienced trauma.
• Advanced knowledge of social services procedures, practices, and methods.
• Knowledge of work principles, available resources, and community agencies.
• Social services related to federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations regarding public assistance and social welfare.
• Case management methods and techniques.

Skills

• Evaluating records to ensure accreditation standards are met.
• Exercising judgment and discretion.
• Maintaining confidential records.
• Managing and executing multiple tasks.
• Strong communication skills.
• Prioritizing work.
• Be receptive to case feedback.

Abilities

• Adaptability, building customer loyalty, building partnerships, building trust.
• Care management, communication, customer focus, decision making.
• Inspiring others, leadership disposition, managing conflict, work standards.

Computer Skills

• Advanced proficiency in various computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Salary

Salary Range: $30.32 to $37.90 per hour. This is a non‑exempt (hourly) position, with pay based on education, skill, experience level, and internal equity.

Work Schedule

Monday‑Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm; after‑hours and weekend work may be required. Location: 430 Stitt Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Accommodations may be made to 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.