Program Specialist (Child & Adult Protective Services Policy)

State of Nebraska

9d•Remote

About The Position

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a highly detail-oriented and analytical professional to support policy development within the Division of Children and Family Services (CFS). This position plays a key role in ensuring child/adult welfare policies are clearly written, legally sound, and operationally effective. The ideal candidate will have experience in child welfare programs and demonstrate strong writing, research, and critical thinking skills, particularly in translating complex state and federal requirements into clear and actionable policy. You have the passion; we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans! THIS POSITION IS POSTED STATEWIDE CONTIGENT UPON OPEN OFFICE SPACE

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.
Candidate must have prior experience working within the child welfare system (includes the larger child welfare system, such as working with involved families.)
Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of experience working within DHHS child welfare programs or case management.
Experience in policy development or legislative analysis.

Responsibilities

Develop, analyze, and revise policies and procedures in collaboration with program staff and subject matter experts to ensure alignment with federal and state statutes, regulations, and evidence-based practices. Policy areas include child/adult abuse and neglect investigations, safety assessment, permanency, and child and family well-being.
Interpret and provide guidance on policy by explaining and clarifying procedural requirements to agency staff and stakeholders. Ensures policies are consistently understood and applied in practice.
Provide technical assistance, consultation, and training to program staff to promote consistent policy implementation statewide.
Coordinate and support legislative activities for CFS, including reviewing introduced legislation, conducting research and analysis, drafting impact statements, and developing policy briefs. Assess operational and programmatic impacts of proposed legislation.