Child Welfare Specialist III; Special Victims Unit

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Adaptability, building customer loyalty, building…