Child and Family Services Specialist (CFSS)-Alliance

State of Nebraska • Alliance, NE

8d

About The Position

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is hiring Child and Family Services Specialists (CFSS) to provide trauma-informed case management and advocacy for children and families involved with the child welfare system, primarily in cases involving concerns of abuse or neglect. The role supports DHHS’s mission of Helping People Live Better Lives by assessing safety, working collaboratively with families and community partners, and promoting children’s permanency and well-being.

The work includes frequent travel to meet families in their homes, attendance at community meetings, participation in multidisciplinary discussions, and involvement in legal proceedings, including court testimony when necessary. The position may involve entering homes in poor or unsanitary conditions, responding to emotionally difficult situations, and temporarily caring for children while arranging safe and appropriate placements. Staff receive training, supervision, peer support, and field support.

The training schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional after-hours field experiences and case-related responsibilities may be required during training. After training, flexible work hours are available, though evening work may be needed to accommodate families. Participation in an on-call rotation covering weeknights, weekends, and holidays is required. The trainee hiring rate is $22.327 per hour, increasing to $26.183 after successful completion of training.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or another closely related area.
• Successful completion of all required training to be eligible for this job classification.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Ability to engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including people experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability.
• Ability to work in challenging home environments and emotionally difficult situations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, or case management.
• Internship experience with human services or child welfare agencies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a case manager for families referred to DHHS.
• Conduct home visits and comprehensive safety assessments in diverse community settings.
• Advocate for the well-being of children and families while respecting cultural and individual diversity.
• Apply family-centered practices and actively involve families in decision-making.
• Collaborate with the legal system and other partners to support case permanency goals.
• Use Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools to inform safety planning and case decisions.
• Write timely, accurate, and professional documentation for internal and legal use.
• Connect families to formal services and informal supports based on assessed needs.
• Promote normalcy and permanency for children in care.
• Apply trauma-informed and least-restrictive approaches to strengthen family functioning and resilience.
• Attend community meetings and participate in multidisciplinary team discussions.
• Participate in legal proceedings and provide court testimony when necessary.
• Participate in an on-call rotation that includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

• Vacation and sick leave begin accruing immediately upon hire.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Agency-backed retirement plan with employer match.
• Supportive leadership and team culture.
• Opportunities for internal advancement and promotion.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time