DCS INTAKE SPECIALIST - CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE - STATEWIDE - 09222026-81107

Location: Dresden, TN; Jackson, TN; Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN; Clarksville, TN; Murfreesboro, TN; Columbia, TN; Cookeville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Oak Ridge, TN; Knoxville, TN; Maryville, TN; Johnson City, TN. Department of Children’s Services, Davidson County (10 positions). This DCS Intake Specialist position is for the Child Abuse Hotline in the Statewide Services Child Investigative and Referral Unit and may be located in any county across the state.

Overview

A crisis‑oriented call‑center professional who independently conducts investigatory intake of alleged child abuse and neglect, assesses situations, and determines next steps to immediately address child safety and risk concerns. This role differs from the DCS Intake Associate, which functions at the trainee level.

Responsibilities

• Take phone calls and online submissions for allegations of child abuse and neglect.
• Using interviewing skills, policy, and protocols, determine if the allegation meets criteria to be investigated.
• Prepare the referral for assignment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and one year of full‑time professional work providing child welfare services (e.g., social, psychological, or correctional counseling; case management; volunteer services coordination; juvenile classification coordination). OR a master’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field.

Special Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age on the date of application.
• U.S. citizen.
• Valid driver’s license prior to and during employment.
• Good moral character as determined by investigation.
• Complete a criminal history disclosure form approved by the appointing authority.
• No felony convictions; agree to release all criminal history records to the appointing authority.
• Provide a fingerprint sample for a TBI‑prescribed criminal history check.
• Pass a pre‑employment drug screening test.
• Ability to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as needed.
• Ability to work remotely or in a physical office; remote work requires a private, confidential workspace and hardwired internet.
• Ability to type 40 wpm or higher.

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Action Oriented
• Communicates Effectively
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Situational Adaptability
• Knowledge Administration and Management
• Customer and Personal Service
• Public Safety and Security
• English Language Skills
• Active Learning and Listening
• Complex Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Social Perceptiveness
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

• Laptop
• Headsets
• Computer accessories

Pay

Monthly: $3,229.00 – $4,041.00
Annual: $38,748.00 – $48,492.00

Schedule

Work may include nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Remote work is permitted with a private, confidential workspace and hardwired internet connection.