Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III
About The Position
The Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III position is based in Watonga, Oklahoma, with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). The role supports child safety and family well-being through work in one or more Child Welfare Programs: Child Protective Services, Family Centered Services, and Permanency Planning. Extensive training is provided to new employees, who complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program. Depending on the program assignment, the specialist investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect, works with families to improve child safety and preserve protective capacities, and provides services and placements that address children's needs. The role may include helping children return home when it is safe, arranging another permanent plan when reunification is not possible, and providing direct services to children in placement. The position requires extensive travel; 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
- Child Welfare Specialist 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.
- Child Welfare Specialist II: A bachelor's degree in any field, or one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.
- Child Welfare Specialist 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 address family barriers that 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 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 safely met there, or arrange a permanent plan when reunification 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 about protecting children, reunifying families, and other permanent plans.
- Provide direct services to children in placement.
- Complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program.
Benefits
- Full State Employee Benefits
- On-call positions receive an additional bonus ranging from $100 to $150 every two weeks, depending on responsibilities.
- Applicants with a Master's Degree in Social Work receive a salary incentive of an additional 5%.
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
