Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3 (Care Connections-Licensing)

State of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3 serves as an advanced-level professional in the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Welfare Division. Under the supervision of a Child Welfare Supervisor, this position performs foster and adoptive caregiver certification and re-certification activities. The role maintains a caseload of foster and adoptive homes and works with families, service providers, and community stakeholders to support caregivers and children placed in the home.

The position may be filled at the Trainee, Specialist 1, Specialist 2, or Specialist 3 level based on experience. Appointments may be probational, promotional, or job appointments. A job appointment may last up to 48 months and may convert to a probational appointment. The position may also be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or through promotion of a permanent classified employee.

The typical work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Flexible schedules may be available after certain criteria are met and depending on the position; some positions require shift work. The work location is Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Prospective DCFS employees must complete and clear multiple background clearances before employment. The incumbent must not have been convicted of, or pled nolo contendere to, a crime listed in R.S. 15.587.1(c).

Requirements

• Three years of experience in child welfare, or six years of full-time work experience in any field, or a bachelor's degree.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• A current driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.
• Must not have been convicted of, or pled nolo contendere to, a crime listed in R.S. 15.587.1(c).
• Applicants must provide relevant, detailed experience and education information in the application; resumes are not accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections.

Nice To Haves

• Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the six years of full-time work experience in any field, up to 120 semester hours and four years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of foster and adoptive homes and perform certification and re-certification activities.
• Conduct comprehensive home studies, safety assessments, and caregiver evaluations to determine compliance with certification standards.
• Develop and monitor corrective action plans to address deficiencies and ensure compliance.
• Maintain complete and accurate electronic and paper case records in accordance with policy, licensing regulations, and legal requirements.
• Make recommendations regarding approval, denial, or continuation of certification.
• Maintain required contacts with foster and adoptive families, including home visits and support interactions.
• Coordinate with community resources, service providers, and stakeholders to support caregivers and children placed in the home.

What This Job Offers

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