Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III - Roving Unit
About The Position
The Child Welfare Specialist works in a specialized Roving Unit in Region 4, based in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The role assists with vacant workloads caused by extended leave or vacant positions, according to regional needs, and may involve one or more Child Welfare Programs: Child Protective Services, Family Centered Services, and Permanency Planning. Extensive training is provided, and all new employees complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program. Depending on program assignment, the specialist investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect; helps protect children and address family barriers to safety; supports parents in strengthening protective capacities to keep children safely at home; and works with families on treatment plans, placements, reunification, and other permanent plans. The position also involves connecting children and families with treatment, preventive, and community services; visiting children in placement; conducting assessments; preparing case reports and other documentation; attending court hearings and providing testimony; and consulting with attorneys, District Attorneys, and tribal partners. 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. 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. Applicants 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
- For 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.
- For Level II: a bachelor's degree in any field, or one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.
- For 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 and maintain required car insurance.
- Complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program as a new employee.
Responsibilities
- Assist with vacant workloads in Region 4 due to extended leave and vacant positions, based on regional needs.
- Investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect.
- Protect children’s safety and provide services to help families address barriers that may put children at risk.
- Preserve and strengthen parents’ protective capacities to support children remaining safely in their homes and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placements.
- Involve family members in their treatment plans.
- Arrange placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs.
- Return children home when their needs can be met by their parents, 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.
- 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 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
