Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee-WSA

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking outstanding individuals who are interested in making a difference in the lives of children and families in the Western Service area. We are looking for individuals for this essential position who are mission driven, action oriented, and possess excellent communication skills. We are seeking candidates to fill positions for openings throughout the state and are hiring for spots in our upcoming training classes. The location of the training has not yet been determined, but depending on the locale, some candidates may be required to travel to attend training class. Trainees are hired at $15.472 per hour and after successful completion of initial training are promoted to $17.879 per hour.

In addition to this office location(s) we are seeking applications across Nebraska. We have offices located across the state where there may also be openings at this time. Please submit your application to any of the active postings where you are interested in being considered for employment. You can find all of our postings on statejobs.nebraska.gov; simply search for Child and family Services Specialist.

Please view the following link for a Realistic Job Preview of the position: http://youtu.be/bJM9TcaFo3s

EXAMPLES OF WORK:
In this position, you will serve as a case manager for families referred to the Department of Health and Human Services.

This will require you to:

• Investigate allegations of abuse/neglect, visit homes, conduct safety assessments, establish safety plans, and initiate court interventions.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans, authorize, coordinate, and provide family services.
• Prepare cases with appropriate legal staff and testify in court.
• Develop community resources; work with schools, law enforcement, and mental health providers; inform the public of protection and safety services.
• Perform crisis intervention.
• Prepare documentation, correspondence, and court reports.
• Casework may be with children/juveniles who have been adjudicated as delinquent or status offenders.

Promotion to Child & Family Services Specialist will occur after successful completion of required classroom and on-the-job training programs.

The State of Nebraska offers an excellent benefits package. Please click here to learn more!

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
REQUIREMENTS: Consideration will be given to applicants who will receive a Bachelors degree within 90 days of application date. Bachelors degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or closely related area. After hire, must be certified in training which de-escalates and manages communication and physical interactions.

OTHER: Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of: Family life issues and dynamics; community services; child adolescent and adult behavior. Skill in: Interviewing clients to collect and elicit essential information and assess client’s needs and progress; openly and honestly discussing concerns with others in a non-judgmental way. Ability to: Learn the importance of commitment to individuals and families; protect confidential information; communicate effectively with community service providers, law enforcement, the court and legal systems and vulnerable adults’ families and/or advocates; organize and maintain case records; learn and apply the principles and practices of direct case management including assessment, analyzing critical information, plan development and implementation in setting up individual case/treatment plans; respond flexibly and adapt to new or changing circumstances; manage time and work flow to work independently and meet deadlines; exhibit a sense of fairness; be available through regular and predictable work attendance; demonstrate professionalism and operate basic computer software and hardware.