Intake Social Worker- Child Protective Services

McDowell County; East Winston (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

McDowell County is seeking an Intake Social Worker to screen, evaluate, and respond to reports of suspected child abuse, neglect, and dependency. This role serves as the initial CPS contact, assessing risk and initiating interventions per NC statutes and agency policy.

Responsibilities include intake interviews, coordination with partners, confidential data handling, and participation in after-hours on-call rotations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child welfare principles and NC policy.
• Ability to assess risk and determine need for intervention.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple cases.

Responsibilities

• Receive and document reports of alleged abuse, neglect, and dependency.
• Conduct intake interviews via phone, in-person, or electronic reporting.
• Enter case information into the agency’s system within required timeframes.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, medical professionals, schools, and community partners.
• Provide guidance on mandated reporting requirements.
• Attend court proceedings and provide testimony when required.

Skills

Critical thinking

Assessment

Communication

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's in Social Work

Bachelor's in Human Services

Education/Experience equivalent

Tools

Case management software

Data entry systems

Job description

The Intake Social Worker is responsible for receiving, screening, and evaluating reports of suspected child abuse, neglect, and dependency. This position serves as the initial point of contact for Child Protective Services (CPS) and plays a critical role in ensuring child safety by assessing risk, determining the need for further intervention, and initiating appropriate responses in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes and agency policy.

Compensation based on education and experience

• Social Worker Trainee $35,124.00
• Social Worker I $38,724.00
• Social Worker II $47,064.00
• Social Worker III $51,894.00

• Receive and document reports of alleged child abuse, neglect, and dependency from the public, law enforcement, medical providers, and other sources.
• Conduct thorough intake interviews via phone, in person, or electronic reporting systems.
• Assess the credibility and urgency of reports using structured decision-making tools and state guidelines.
• Determine whether reports meet criteria for CPS assessment/investigation in accordance with NC law and policy.
• Enter detailed and accurate case information into the agency’s case management system within required timeframes.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, medical professionals, schools, and other community partners as needed.
• Provide consultation and guidance to reporters regarding mandated reporting requirements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
• Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours intake as required.
• Attend court proceedings when necessary and provide testimony related to intake decisions.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local policies governing child welfare practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child welfare principles, including indicators of abuse, neglect, and dependency.
• Familiarity with North Carolina Child Welfare policy and reporting requirements.
• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to make sound, timely decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and prioritize workload effectively.
• Skill in data entry and use of case management systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to handle sensitive and potentially traumatic information with professionalism and composure.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited program; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field (e.g., psychology, sociology, criminal justice, counseling) with relevant experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as permitted by North Carolina State Personnel guidelines.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
• Prior experience in child welfare or CPS intake/investigations.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Ability to travel within the county and surrounding areas.
• Successful completion of pre-employment background check.
• Completion of required state-mandated child welfare training.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting with frequent interaction via telephone and computer systems.
• May involve exposure to emotionally distressing situations.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and on-call work may be required.

Salary Range:

Grade and salary based on McDowell County classification and experience.