Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III

Oklahoma Human Services•Guthrie, OK

6d•$37,281 - $43,969•Onsite

About The Position

The Child Welfare Specialist role is located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). The position supports child safety and family well-being and may serve in one or more Child Welfare Programs: Child Protective Services (CPS), Family Centered Services (FCS), or Permanency Planning (PP). Extensive training is provided, and all new employees complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program. CPS specialists investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect, protect children’s safety, and provide services to address barriers that put children at risk. FCS specialists work to preserve and strengthen parents’ protective capacities so children can safely remain at home and unnecessary out-of-home placements can be prevented. Permanency Planning specialists provide services that involve family members in treatment plans, arrange placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs, support reunification when children can safely return home, and arrange permanent plans when reunification is not possible. The role includes learning about treatment and preventive services; visiting children in placement; assessing children and families; referring families and children to community services; participating in abuse and neglect investigations; preparing case reports and other documentation; attending court hearings and providing testimony; consulting with District Attorneys, other attorneys, and tribal partners; and providing direct services to children in placement. 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

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.
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.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain required car insurance.
Travel is extensive; hours worked may include on-call, extended, and/or weekend hours.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s Degree in Social Work qualifies for a 5% salary incentive.

Responsibilities

Investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect.
Protect children’s safety and provide services to address family 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.
Support the return of children to their homes when their needs can be met there, and arrange a permanent plan when return 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 investigations of child abuse and neglect and prepare case reports and other documentation.
Attend court hearings and provide testimony.
Consult with District Attorneys, other attorneys, and tribal partners about protecting children, reunifying families, or other permanent plans.
Provide direct services to children in placement.
Complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program.
Perform other duties as assigned.