Child Welfare Consultant (Care Con - Matching)
About The Position
This position serves as an advanced-level professional within Care Connections – Matching, reporting to the Matching Child Welfare Manager 1. The Consultant functions as a subject matter expert in levels of care determination, complex matching decisions, and program development, supporting statewide consistency and quality. The Consultant is responsible for providing advanced-level expertise and support to the Matching program by guiding complex care connection decisions for children in foster care, ensuring that children are matched with caregivers and care settings aligned with their needs, services, and permanency goals. The position provides subject matter expertise in managing complex care coordination scenarios, supporting program performance monitoring, advising on the application of assessment tools used to determine levels of care, and promoting timely, appropriate, and clinically informed care connection decisions across cases and regions.
Requirements
- Seven years of experience in child welfare; OR Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus four years of experience in social services, health services, law enforcement, or investigatory work; OR A bachelor’s degree plus four years of experience in social services, health services, law enforcement, or investigatory work; OR An advanced degree in a social science or behavioral health field, nursing, or a juris doctorate plus three years of experience in social services, health services, law enforcement, or investigatory work.
- Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
- A current driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.
- Must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in R.S. 15.587.1 (c).
Nice To Haves
- Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.
Responsibilities
- Leads and supports complex, high-needs matching decisions, including treatment, therapeutic, and congregate care placements.
- Performs and provides expert guidance on level-of-care determinations and assessments.
- Supports resolution of placement instability and high-risk matching situations.
- Reviews matching decisions for accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with assessed needs.
- Identifies trends, risks, and inconsistencies in matching practices.
- Assists in development and refinement of matching policies, procedures, and tools.
- Recommends improvements to level-of-care frameworks and decision models.
- Provides consultation on step-down planning from higher levels of care.
- Identifies barriers to least-restrictive placements and recommends solutions.
- Collaborates with providers, regions, and partners to expand placement resources.
- Supports identification of service gaps and resource needs.
- Performs other duties as assigned for the smooth operation of the Department.
Benefits
- Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
