Child and Family Services Specialist (CFSS)-North Platte

State of Nebraska • North Platte, NE

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Health and Human Services is hiring Child and Family Services Specialists (CFSS) to support children and families involved with the child welfare system, primarily in cases involving concerns of abuse or neglect. The role provides trauma-informed case management and advocacy, assesses safety, collaborates with families and community partners, and promotes children’s permanency and well-being. Specialists frequently travel to meet families in their homes, attend community meetings, participate in multidisciplinary team discussions, and take part in legal proceedings, including providing court testimony when necessary.

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 hours are available, though evening work may be necessary to meet families’ needs. The position participates in an on-call rotation that includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

The role may involve entering homes in poor or unsanitary condition and encountering emotionally difficult situations. Specialists must engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including people experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability. They may sometimes be required to care for children temporarily while arranging safe and appropriate placements. Training, protocols, supervision, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners are provided to support staff safety and effective work.

The trainee hiring rate is $22.327 per hour, increasing to $26.183 after successful completion of training. Promotion to Child and Family Services Specialist is contingent on completing degree requirements and required training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or another related field; applicants enrolled in their final semester may be considered.
• Promotion to Child and Family Services Specialist is contingent on successfully completing degree requirements and required training.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability.

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 and legal proceedings, including court testimony when necessary.
• Participate in an on-call rotation covering weeknights, weekends, and holidays.
• In some situations, temporarily care for children while coordinating their transition to safe and appropriate placements.

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.
• Comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level