Child Welfare Specialist III; Special Victims Unit

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Please apply by 1/22/2026

Salary Range: $30.32 to $37.90 per hour. This is a non‑exempt (hourly) 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.

Youth and Family Services Division (YFS) of the DSS Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (CFAS) provides a variety of services to safeguard children by strengthening the protective capacities of families whose children’s health, safety and well‑being are  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!

This is a specialized position within the Special Victims Unit (SVU) as the Child Welfare Specialist III. The Child Welfare Specialist III will be required to conduct investigations regarding child abuse and neglect to include child trafficking, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, fatalities, foster homes, and group homes.

This position is responsible for providing community‑based services to individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues that could include child and adult abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, mental health concerns, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, housing, childcare, or medical care.

This position in Youth and Family Services, under general supervision, is responsible for providing evaluation and assessment of risk and safety issues, case management, counseling, and referral services for complex cases to assist in meeting the needs of these clients. This position may handle more complex cases requiring a higher‑level skillset.

The hours for this position are Monday‑Friday 8:00am‑5:00pm. This position may require after hours (after 5:00pm) and weekend work as needed. The position will be located at 430 Stitt Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213.

• Assess and provide appropriate services on complex child abuse/neglect cases involving complex mental health, domestic violence, human trafficking, and substance abuse issues.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure child safety, permanency and well‑being of children and families.
• Be responsive to case feedback.
• Attend trainings as needed.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with the SVU supervisor and manager.
• Assess needs of individuals and/or families; provide counseling and services in both individual and group settings and discuss goals, expected outcomes, and means to meet those goals.
• 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 improved.
• Transport clients to appointments such as medical, job related or others, if appropriate.
• Refer clients to community resources for services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance.
• Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems such as truancy and misbehavior, and implement solutions.
• Monitor residential facilities for compliance with…