Social Services Specialist (Youth & Family Services)

Follow your calling, Find your career!!

Please apply by 5/31/2023

Salary Range: $20.00 to $22.18 per hour. This is a non-exempt (hourly) position. Please note: 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 Department of Social Services (DSS) provides a variation of services to safeguard children by strengthening the protective capacities of families whose children’s health, safety and well-being are at risk. The 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!

Position Summary:

The Social Services Specialist will provide a positive environment for children, parents, and siblings to spend valuable family time together. Candidate will observe and document children, foster parents, birth parents and family members interactions during supervised visitation according to policy. The candidate will assess for any safety concerns prior and during visitations. The candidate will utilize conflict resolution skills to manage challenging situations. Responsibilities include providing transportation for court ordered visitations and transports, attending/testifying in court hearings, and participating in meetings as a member of a professional team to plan services for children and families. Candidate will complete office protocol and timely documentation requirements in accordance with Mecklenburg County policy and procedures.

• The work hours for this position are Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-8:00pm and Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm. This position will be located at 3205 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208.

Essential Functions

• Provide transportation for court ordered visitations and transports
• Manage records and documentation of services provided and maintain history records
• Attend and testify in juvenile and adult court hearings.
• Prepare written correspondence such as memos, forms, and emails
• Attend staff meetings with management regarding placements and goals
• Create, maintain, organize, and enter information into databases and use various computer applications

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

A minimum of two years of experience in related field

Education:

High School Diploma or G.E.D

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes

Licenses and Certifications

Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's license

Requires County Driving Privileges

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two years working with children and families in various settings preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in human service or related field preferred

• Good oral and written communication skills, professional etiquette, good time management skills, ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and take initiative on assignments.

• Ability to work flexible schedules, evenings, and weekends
• Department of Social Services Assignment - Bilingual (Spanish and English) proficiency oral and written. Will be required to pass the County’s Bilingual Assessment in order to receive a paid Bilingual Premium.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Administrative and clerical procedures and systems using various computer applications, managing files and records

• Principles and processes for providing customer and employee services

• Conflict resolution techniques.

Skills

• Customer service

• Coordination and organization

• Judgment and decision making

• Time management

• Critical thinking

Abilities

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures

• Building Customer Loyalty: Effectively meeting customer needs; building productive customer relationships

• Building Trust: Interacting with others effectively to build confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization

• Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; take action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive

• Managing Work: Effectively managing work time and resources to ensure that duties are completed efficiently

• Managing Conflict: Dealing effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people

• Stress tolerance: Maintaining stable performance under pressure or opposition; handling stress in a professional manner acceptable to others and to the organization

Computer Skills

• Intermediate use in various computer applications
• Data entry

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help 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.
Compensation and Benefits:
In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.