DHHS/CFS Permanency Program Specialist

State of Nebraska•Pending Location Assignment (PLA) - no city, NE

9d•Remote

About The Position

The State of Nebraska, Department of Health and Human Services is hiring a Permanency Program Specialist to support adoption, guardianship, permanency planning, and related programs across Nebraska. This role provides program expertise, oversight, and consultation to help ensure children and families have access to safe, stable, and lasting permanency. You’ll work with CFS staff, families, providers, legal partners, and community stakeholders while helping shape and improve programs that directly impact children and families.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services or other program related field.
Professional experience working in a human/social service or health care agency with responsibility for planning or evaluation services, programs or operational policies and practices may substitute in lieu of the educational requirement.
Skills in procedure and policy development
Knowledge of federal and state child welfare laws/rules/regulations
Public speaking and presentation skills
Project management experience
Contract management experience

Nice To Haves

Past CFS experience in Permanency case management.
Past CFS experience with adoption and guardianship regulations, subsidies, and policies.
Prior CFS training or supervision experience.
Extensive knowledge of CFS case management policy and procedures.

Responsibilities

Oversee adoption, guardianship, permanency planning, and related CFS programs.
Provide technical assistance, consultation, and training to staff, families, providers, legal partners, and stakeholders.
Review and approve adoption and guardianship assistance requests and maintain related agreements, guidance, and procedures.
Coordinate Adult Adoptee Search requests, program inquiries, referrals, websites, and databases.
Monitor and analyze program data to assess compliance, trends, performance, and quality improvement.
Serve as the CFS liaison for permanency programs and collaborate with providers and community partners.
Support permanency planning and reviews for children and youth, including those at YRTCs and those legally free for adoption.
Research laws, regulations, and best practices and develop policies, procedures, reports, and other program materials.
Lead and support statewide permanency initiatives that help children achieve safe, stable, and permanent family connections through reunification, guardianship, adoption, or other permanent living arrangements.
Ensure Program Compliance and Integrity around administering adoption, guardianship, and related permanency programs in compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and best practices while maintaining program consistency across Nebraska.
Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned permanency programs by providing consultation, technical assistance, training, and guidance to CFS staff, attorneys, providers, courts, and community partners.
Ensure adoptive, guardianship, and prospective families receive accurate information, timely assistance, and appropriate support throughout the permanency process, including administration of adoption and guardianship assistance programs.
Create, revise, and maintain policies, procedures, forms, SOPs, and program guidance that promote consistent statewide implementation and support evolving legal and program requirements.
Monitor assigned contracts, grants, provider performance, and program deliverables to ensure quality services, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Provide specialized consultation and leadership for youth with significant permanency barriers, including youth residing at YRTCs and children legally free for adoption, helping identify and secure permanent family connections.