Child and Family Services Specialist Trainee - Adult Protective Services

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Health and Human Services is hiring a Child and Family Services Specialist Trainee to serve as a case manager for vulnerable adults referred to the Department. The role involves working with adults age 18 and older who have substantial mental and/or functional impairments. Trainees are hired at $22.327 per hour and are promoted to Child and Family Services Specialist at $26.183 after successful completion of required classroom and on-the-job training. Promotion is also contingent on successful completion of degree requirements. Regular travel is a frequent duty, including visits to homes and nursing homes and face-to-face visits with clients, service providers, and others depending on caseload location. A state vehicle may be provided depending on office location. The position participates in a rotating on-call schedule and requires availability by work cell phone 24/7 for one week while on call; when contacted, the employee must be able to go into the field to investigate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or a closely related area; applicants in the final semester of a bachelor’s degree may be considered.
Successful completion of degree requirements and required training is required for promotion to the Child and Family Services Specialist classification.
Valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Availability for rotating on-call duty and ability to be reached by work cell phone 24/7 for one week while on call, with ability to go into the field if contacted.
Knowledge of family life issues and dynamics, community services, and adult behavior.
Skill in interviewing clients to collect essential information and assess needs and progress, and in discussing concerns openly and nonjudgmentally.
Ability to protect confidential information and communicate effectively with community service providers.
Good oral and written communication skills, ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws and standards to technical narrative material, and ability to learn and uphold the objectives, philosophies, and functions of the Children and Family Services Division.
Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with managers and administrators, community organizations, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a Children and Family Services Specialist with the State of Nebraska.
Experience working with vulnerable adults.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation.
Visit homes and nursing homes, conduct safety assessments, determine vulnerability, establish safety plans, and initiate court interventions.
Develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans, and authorize and coordinate appropriate services.
Prepare cases with legal staff and testify in court.
Develop community resources and work with law enforcement, mental health, and medical professionals.
Inform the public about protection and safety services.
Perform crisis intervention.
Prepare documentation and correspondence.
Travel for face-to-face visits and work-related appointments.
Participate in rotating on-call coverage and respond to field investigations when contacted while on call.