Kinship Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee-Lincoln or Beatrice

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is hiring a Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee for its Relative/Kinship program, based in Lincoln or Beatrice. The role assesses and supports relative/kinship foster care providers through home studies, case management, and ongoing family support using an evidence-based model. Work includes in-home visits, resource coordination, and participation in a rotating on-call schedule. Frequent travel and evening or weekend hours may be required.

The training pay rate is $22.327 per hour, increasing to $26.183 after training. Promotion is contingent on successful completion of degree requirements and required training. Training is provided for NFOCUS.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or a closely related area; applicants enrolled in the final semester of a bachelor’s degree may be considered.
• Promotion is contingent on successful completion of degree requirements and required training.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Frequent travel is required.
• Availability for evening and weekend hours as needed.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Ability to assess family needs and deliver targeted support.
• Ability to manage multiple caseloads, prepare reports, and analyze data for trends.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Child and Family Services, case management, or child placing agencies.
• Familiarity with NFOCUS and Microsoft Office suite.
• One year of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments and home studies for relative/kinship placements, including emergency approvals.
• Provide referrals, resources, and support to relative/kinship caregivers and their families.
• Identify and address challenges to placement stability.
• Ensure compliance with approval and licensing standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Conduct monthly in-person visits with caregivers and youth.
• Support families through phone check-ins, team meetings, court hearings, and transportation assistance.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to meet the needs of children and families.
• Use Outlook, Word, Excel, WebEx, and NFOCUS.
• Facilitate training sessions, support groups, and events for kinship families.
• Lead meetings with case team members to plan and coordinate services.
• Fulfill on-call responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility varying by position, agency, and employment status.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement benefits.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level