Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III

Oklahoma Human Services • Pawhuska 𐓄𐓘𐓢𐓶𐓮𐓤𐓘, OK

4d • $37,281 - $43,969 • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Welfare Specialist works within one or more Child Welfare Programs, including Child Protective Services (CPS), Family Centered Services (FCS), and Permanency Planning (PP). The role supports the safety and well-being of children and families through investigations, assessments, services, and permanency planning. Extensive training is provided, and all new employees complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program.

Depending on assignment, the specialist investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect, helps address barriers to child safety, works to strengthen parents’ protective capacities and keep children safely at home, and supports families in treatment planning. The position also helps arrange placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs, works toward reunification when safe, and develops a permanent plan when returning home is not possible.

The position is located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Travel is extensive. 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.

Requirements

• Child Welfare Specialist Level I: completion of 90 hours from an accredited college or university, or 3 years of experience related to child welfare work, or a combination of education and experience.
• Child Welfare Specialist Level II: a bachelor’s degree in any field, or one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.
• 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.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Must maintain required car insurance.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect and participate in investigations.
• Protect children’s safety and provide services to address barriers that may put children at risk.
• Preserve and strengthen parents’ protective capacities to help children remain safely in their homes and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placements.
• Involve family members in their own treatment plans.
• Arrange placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs.
• Work toward returning children home as soon as their needs can be met there and arrange a permanent plan when reunification 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.
• Prepare case reports and other documentation.
• Attend court hearings and provide testimony.
• Consult with the District Attorney, other attorneys, and tribal partners about protecting children, reunifying families, and other permanent plans.
• Provide direct services to children in placement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full State Employee Benefits.
• Master’s Degree in Social Work salary incentive of an additional 5%.
• On-call positions receive an additional bonus ranging from $100 to $150 every two weeks, depending on responsibilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree