Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III
About The Position
The Child Welfare Specialist position is with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in McAlester, Oklahoma. Specialists work in one or more Child Welfare Programs: Child Protective Services, Family Centered Services, or Permanency Planning. The work focuses on protecting children’s safety and well-being, strengthening families, and supporting children’s permanency. Extensive training is provided, and all new employees complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program. Depending on the program assignment, the specialist may investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect; help families address barriers to children’s safety; strengthen parents’ protective capacities to help children remain at home; and provide services and placements that meet children’s needs. The position also involves working with families on treatment plans, supporting reunification when possible, and arranging permanent plans when returning home is not possible. Travel is extensive. A valid driver’s license and required car insurance must be maintained. State vehicles will be available for job duties. Work hours may include on-call, extended, and/or weekend hours.
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.
Responsibilities
- Investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect and participate in investigations.
- Protect children’s safety and provide services to help families address barriers that may put children at risk.
- Preserve and strengthen parents’ protective capacities so children can safely remain in their homes and unnecessary out-of-home placements can be prevented.
- Involve family members as participants in their treatment plans.
- Provide placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs.
- Work toward returning children to their homes when their needs can be met there, and arrange a permanent plan when return home is not possible.
- Learn and use 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 regarding 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.
- 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.
- State vehicles will be available for use to carry out job duties.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
