Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III
About The Position
The Child Welfare Specialist position is with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) in Lawton, Oklahoma. The role offers the opportunity to support the safety and well-being of children and families. Extensive training is provided, and all new employees complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program. Depending on assignment, work may be within Child Protective Services, Family Centered Services, or Permanency Planning. Child Protective Services investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect, protects children, and provides services to address family barriers to child safety. Family Centered Services works to preserve and strengthen parents’ protective capacities so children can remain safely at home. Permanency Planning provides services and placements that address children’s needs, supports family participation in treatment planning, seeks reunification when children can safely return home, and arranges a permanent plan when reunification is not possible. The position requires extensive travel. A valid driver’s license and required car insurance must be maintained; state vehicles are available for work duties. Hours may include on-call, extended, and/or weekend hours. Annual salaries are $37,280.75 for Level I, $40,077.79 for Level II, and $43,968.62 for Level III, plus full state employee benefits. Employees with a Master’s Degree in Social Work receive a 5% salary incentive. On-call positions receive an additional bonus of $100 to $150 every two weeks, depending on responsibilities.
Requirements
- Level I: Completion of 90 hours from an accredited college or university, or three years of experience related to child welfare work, or a combination of education and experience.
- Level II: A bachelor’s degree in any field, or one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.
- Level III: A master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree plus one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist, or two years of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Maintain required car insurance.
Responsibilities
- Investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect.
- Protect children’s safety and provide services to help families address barriers that put children at risk.
- Preserve and strengthen parents’ protective capacities so children can safely remain in their own homes and unnecessary out-of-home placements can be prevented.
- Provide services to families, including involving family members in their own treatment plans.
- Arrange placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs.
- Return children home as soon as their needs can be met safely by their parent or parents, and arrange a permanent plan when returning home is not possible.
- Learn about treatment and preventive services.
- Visit children in placement and conduct assessments of children and families.
- Refer families and children to community services.
- Participate in child abuse and neglect investigations and prepare case reports and other documentation.
- Attend court hearings and provide testimony.
- Consult with the District Attorney, other attorneys, and tribal partners about efforts to protect children, reunite families, or establish other permanent plans.
- Provide direct services to children in placement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Full State Employee Benefits
- A 5% salary incentive for applicants with a Master’s Degree in Social Work
- An additional on-call bonus of $100 to $150 every two weeks, depending on responsibilities
- State vehicles available for work duties
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
