Child/Family Services Specialist/Trainee - Lexington

State of Nebraska • Lexington, NE

70d • $22 - $26

About The Position

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 Service 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. You do go to homes and work some Evenings/flex time to accommodate client needs. You deal with Abuse/Neglect cases. CFSS roles are rewarding, yet challenging, as they provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for children/youth in our communities with their caregivers. CFSS work closely with families that need child welfare intervention because of abuse and/or neglect. Pay starts at $21.836/per hour and $25.607/per hour after Training.

Requirements

• 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.
• Valid Driver's license is required
• 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Advocate for families.
• Respect the individuality of each child and family served.
• 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
• Promote normalcy in the lives of children in care
• 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.
• And many other duties as required.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees