Child and Family Services Specialist (CFSS)-Grand Island

State of Nebraska • Grand Island, NE

5d

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is hiring Child and Family Services Specialists to support children and families involved with the child welfare system, primarily when there are concerns of abuse or neglect. The role provides trauma-informed case management and advocacy, assesses safety, works collaboratively with families and community partners, and promotes children’s permanency and well-being. The work may include frequent travel to family homes, community meetings, multidisciplinary team discussions, and legal proceedings, including court testimony.

The position involves entering homes that may be in poor or unsanitary condition and responding to emotionally difficult situations. Staff may sometimes be required to care temporarily for children while coordinating safe and appropriate placements. Training, protocols, ongoing supervision, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners are provided to support staff safety and effective outcomes.

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. Flexible hours are available after training, though evening work may be needed to accommodate families. The position participates in an on-call rotation that includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays. The trainee hiring rate is $22.327, 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 related field.
• Applicants enrolled in the final semester of a bachelor’s degree may be considered; promotion to Child and Family Services Specialist is contingent on completing degree requirements and required training.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, and/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.
• Provide court testimony when necessary.
• Participate in an on-call rotation, including 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
• Career Level: Entry Level