Child/family Services Specialist/trainee - Norfolk

Child/Family Services Specialist/Trainee - Norfolk (Open)

You have the passion; we have the opportunities – let's make a difference for Nebraskans! The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) hires dedicated individuals for Children and Family Services Specialist (CFSS) positions. These roles directly impact our mission of Helping People Live Better Lives through the provision of critical family services, supporting families as they build their future & ensure the safety and well-being of children. This is a Caseworker role and there will be some Evenings/flex after training. You do go to homes. Pay starts at $21.836 and increases to $ 25.607 after successfully completing training. Bilingual staff are welcome. Numerous internal promotion opportunities are available. Start your career with Nebraska today!

Examples of Work Duties:

• Advocate for families.
• Respect the individuality of each child and family served
• Perform Investigations on Calls that come into the Hotline and go to homes.
• Make recommendations on the investigations and complete reports.
• May work on Removal plans and other duties.
• Adhere to principles and procedures of Structured Decision Making as a tool that will support keeping children and families safe.
• Understand and commit to utilizing evidence-based practices that focus on least-restrictive and family-centered approaches. Identifies and makes appropriate referrals for formal and informal interventions based on the family's needs.
• Write clear, concise, and descriptive reports in a timely manner that will be shared with legal entities and the court system.
• Respect each child's family and culture Implement family-centered practice principles into case management to ensure the inclusion of children and families in the decision-making processes that impact their lives. Many other duties as required.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or other related fields. Consideration will be given to applicants who are enrolled in the final semester of their bachelor's degree. Promotion to a Child and Family Services Specialist is contingent on successfully completing degree requirements and required training.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice and/or case management experience, internships with human services/child welfare agencies will also be considered

Other: Valid Driver's license is required

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health, education, criminal justice, or related area of the applied social/behavioral sciences.
• Ability to: learn the importance of commitment to individuals and families; learn the importance of families/individuals having normal life experiences that are consistent with age, gender, culture and community setting; learn the value and importance of families/individuals having the right and ability to make decisions; protect confidential information; communicate electronically, on paper or in person with customers, co-workers, supervisors and staff to exchange case information and assessments; listen to and understand communication;
• Work effectively with community service providers, law enforcement, the court and legal systems and vulnerable adults' families and/or advocates; organize and maintain case records; learn and apply the principles and practices of direct case management including assessment, analyzing critical information.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.