Child Protection Specialist (Region 1 - Eastern)

State of Montana • Glendive, MT

13h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Child Protection Specialist works within the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Child and Family Services Division, supporting the well-being and safety of children and families. The role involves investigating reports of child maltreatment, engaging with families facing difficult circumstances, providing advocacy and support, and connecting families and children with resources. The work can involve complex, high-stress, and sometimes hostile situations.

The position supports Region 1, which includes Glasgow, Glendive, Hardin, Miles City, Sidney, and Wolf Point. Work locations vary based on availability and community needs; the position will not be located in Billings. The role may be eligible for partial telework within Montana, subject to supervisor-set conditions and state policy. Frequent travel and in-home visits and interviews are required; travel may include out-of-state trips, requiring appropriate travel documents. Although there is a standard schedule, critical business needs may require evening, weekend, or holiday work, and the specialist participates in a rotating on-call schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field.
• Two years of social services or directly related work experience working with children and families in difficult and sometimes volatile situations.
• Ability to make critical decisions by integrating information from multiple sources, including discrepant information, in high-stress situations.
• Ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances to gather sufficient information for accurate decisions.
• Ability to remain calm when confronted and to develop and maintain constructive, cooperative working relationships, including with people who may be angry or violent.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment, including spreadsheet, word processing, database, email, internet, and other computer programs.
• Ability to travel frequently, conduct in-home visits and interviews, and have appropriate travel documents for possible out-of-state travel.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, or holidays when required by critical business needs and to participate in a rotating on-call schedule.
• Successful applicants must pass relevant background checks and reference checks before an offer is extended.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with tribal government entities and/or other organizations of native peoples.
• Knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family-centered social work practice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct timely assessments of child maltreatment reports in accordance with state and federal statutes and agency policy, using standardized safety assessment tools and decision-making guides.
• Carry a caseload and keep case file documentation current.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, other welfare professionals, and agencies.
• Prepare for and testify in court, preliminary hearings, multidisciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and court hearings.
• Arrange out-of-home placements when necessary, ensure placements are safe and comply with statutory and policy preferences and the child’s best interests, and identify and connect families and children with resources.
• Ensure children are evaluated and assessed to determine their medical and psychological needs throughout the case.
• Prepare assessments and case plans, evaluate participant progress, and make and monitor appropriate placements.
• Conduct in-home visits and interviews and travel as required.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and work evenings, weekends, or holidays when critical business needs require it.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Work/life balance
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
• Advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

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