Child and Family Services Trainee / Specialist
Why DHHS? Benefits include a competitive health insurance and retirement plans (retirement contribution match of 156%), earning of vacation and sick leave Day One (12 Days), 13 State holidays, eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, $20,000 Basic Life Insurance at no additional cost, competitive Title IV-E stipend awards for Master of Social Work participants, and flexible work schedules post-training completion. DHHS and the State of Nebraska value employees as well as a supportive environment. We strive to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job qualifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or genetics. Hiring rate of position: $19.033 upon hire. You will be promoted to $22.320 after successfully completing training (6-8 weeks).
Responsibilities
Opportunities available in the Northern Service Area, where we are seeking candidates for our upcoming training groups. Communities where opportunities may be available in NSA include, Seward, Columbus, York, Norfolk, South Sioux City, Fremont and Blair. In this position, you will serve as a case manager for families referred to the Department of Health and Human Services. As a Child and Family Services Specialist, you will: • Assess allegations of abuse/neglect, visit family homes, conduct safety and risk assessments, establish safety plans, and work with County Attorney to initiate court involvement. • Provide voluntary prevention services to families through Alternative Response. • Interview parents, caregivers, person who reports the concern, family members, and others familiar with the family situation. This may include medical staff, teachers, law enforcement, etc. • Engage families to develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans;, authorize, coordinate, and provide family services. Partner with judges and attorneys to prepare cases, attend court hearings, and testify in court. • Assist in prevention services, including coordination with community resources; work with schools, law enforcement, and mental health providers; develop professional relationships; inform the public of protection and safety services. • Perform crisis intervention. • Write clear, concise and descriptive reports under time restraints. • Casework may be with children/juveniles who have been adjudicated as delinquent or status offenders. • Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and all work-related contacts. Promotion to Child & Family Services Specialist will occur after successful completion of required classroom and on-the-job training programs.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelors degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice or other closely related area. Consideration will be given to applicants who will receive a Bachelor's degree within 90 days of open position closing date. PREFERRED: At least one year experience working children and families. Experience in child welfare and/or case management experience, internships with human services/child welfare agencies will also be considered, demonstrated ability to handle high levels of stress and emotionally volatile situations, problem-solving skills, and resiliency to provide excellent written and verbal communication, and ability to effectively manage time and deadlines. Experience with SDM (Structured Decision Making) and SOP (Safety Organized Practice) a plus. OTHER: Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation is required. Travel for face to face visits with children, families, service providers, and other work related appointments may be required dependent upon caseload location. Utilization of a state vehicle may be provided dependent upon office location.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Hastings, Hastings, Nebraska 68901
United States