Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III
About The Position
The Child Welfare Specialist position is located in Purcell or Norman, Oklahoma, and supports the safety and well-being of children and families through work in one or more Child Welfare Programs: Child Protective Services (CPS), Family Centered Services (FCS), or Permanency Planning (PP). Extensive training is provided to new employees, who complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program. Depending on program assignment, the specialist investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect and helps address barriers to child safety; works to strengthen parents’ protective capacities so children can safely remain at home; or provides services and placements that address children’s needs and supports reunification or another permanent plan. The role includes extensive travel. State vehicles are available for work duties, and employees must have a valid driver’s license and maintain required car insurance. 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, in addition to 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.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- Maintain required car insurance.
- Travel extensively.
Responsibilities
- Investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect.
- Protect children’s safety and provide services to address family barriers that could put children at risk.
- Preserve and strengthen parents’ protective capacities so children can remain safely in their homes and unnecessary out-of-home placements can be prevented.
- Involve family members as participants in treatment plans.
- Arrange placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs.
- Return children to their homes when their needs can be met there, or arrange a permanent plan when reunification is not possible.
- Learn about treatment and preventive services through the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program.
- 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 protecting children, reunifying families, or establishing other permanent plans.
- Provide direct services to children in placement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Full State Employee Benefits
- 5% salary incentive for employees who possess a Master’s Degree in Social Work
- On-call bonus of $100 to $150 every two weeks, depending on responsibilities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
