Intake Social Worker- Child Protective Services

McDowell County, NC; North Carolina; Vor Ort; USD 35.000 - 52.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

McDowell County, NC is seeking an Intake Social Worker to receive, screen, and evaluate reports of suspected child abuse, neglect, and dependency. This role serves as the first contact for CPS and ensures child safety by assessing risk and initiating appropriate responses in line with North Carolina statutes and agency policy.

Responsibilities include interviews, data entry, and collaboration with law enforcement, schools, and medical professionals.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited program or related field with experience.
• Experience in child welfare or CPS intake/investigations preferred.
• Ability to work under stress and maintain confidentiality.

Aufgaben

• Receive and document reports of alleged child abuse, neglect, and dependency.
• Conduct intake interviews via phone, in person, or electronic reporting systems.
• Assess credibility and urgency using state guidelines.
• Determine CPS assessment/investigation needs per NC law.
• Enter case information into the case management system.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, medical professionals, schools, and partners.
• Provide mandated reporting guidance to reporters.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Kenntnisse

Child welfare

Assessment

Decision making

Confidentiality

Communication

Data entry

Court testimony

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s in Social Work

Human services degree

Equivalent combo of education/experience

Tools

Case management software

Jobbeschreibung

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.