Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III
About The Position
The Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III position serves in Child Welfare Programs in Tishomingo and Ardmore, Oklahoma. Depending on program assignment, the specialist may investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect, help protect children’s safety, strengthen families’ protective capacities, provide family services, and support permanency planning. Extensive training is provided to new employees, who complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program. Travel is extensive. A valid driver’s license and required car insurance must be maintained; state vehicles are available for work duties. Annual salaries are $37,280.75 at Level I, $40,077.79 at Level II, and $43,968.62 at 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. 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.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain required car insurance.
- Must complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program.
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 to help children remain safely in their homes and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placements.
- Involve family members as participants in their treatment plans.
- Arrange placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs.
- Return children to their homes as soon as their needs can be met there, or 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.
- Participate in 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 regarding child protection, family reunification, and 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
- 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
