Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III
About The Position
The Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III works within Child Welfare Programs for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in Norman, Oklahoma. Depending on assignment, the position may involve Child Protective Services, Family Centered Services, or Permanency Planning. The work focuses on protecting children’s safety and well-being, supporting families, and helping prevent unnecessary out-of-home placements or achieve permanent plans for children. Extensive training is provided, and all new employees complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program. Responsibilities may include investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect; assessing children and families; visiting children in placement; connecting families and children with treatment, preventive, and community services; preparing case reports and documentation; attending court hearings and providing testimony; and coordinating 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 for Level I, $40,077.79 for Level II, and $43,968.62 for 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.
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.
- Complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program as a new employee.
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 remain safely in their homes and unnecessary out-of-home placements can be prevented.
- Involve family members in their 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.
- 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 District Attorneys, 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 employees who possess a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
- An additional $100 to $150 every two weeks for on-call positions, depending on responsibilities.
- State vehicles are available for work duties.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
