The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25 Location: DHHS Local Office - Scottsbluff, Health and Human Services, 624 Yellowstone Ave - Alliance Hiring Rate: $20.936 Classification Salary Range: $20.94 - $36.19 Job Posting: JR2024-00005431 Child and Family Services Specialist-Western Nebraska (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 04-18-2024 Job Description: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF WORK Under direction of the Family Finding Specialist Supervisor, the Family Finding Specialist will assist in carrying out The Family Finding Model. *If experienced CFSS Specialist then will start at $24.552. If not will start at Entry level rate of $20.936 and then rate rate will increase after training. The Family Finding model will be used to identify and engage family members and other adults who care about a child involved with DHHS. The model will provide strategies for involving these adults in developing and carrying out a plan for helping children achieve emotional and legal permanency. Candidate must be a strong team player, have a sense of urgency in completing tasks and have a belief that family and other significant relationships plays an important role in the lives of children. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES 1. Identify family and kin for every child served. 2. Locate and engage family/kin that are able and willing to help support the parent and/or child through various means. 3. Engage and prepare families for planning and decision making meetings. 4. Facilitate meetings with family/kin to develop plans to increase the child’s emotional connections and the parent’s support network. 5. Create a historical timeline with the child identifying important people in their life. 6. Formulate creative ways to find information with the tools/information that is available. 7. Conduct file reviews, intense family searches, and recruitment efforts for children. 8. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with DHHS staff and partners. 9. Coach CFSS in conducting family finding searches providing constructive feedback to assist in learning and team engagement. 10. Conduct and encourage transparent, open-minded, compassionate discussions with families and professionals in order to advocate for children and families. 11. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of trauma and incorporate this into decision making. 12. Follow agency policy, federal guidelines, Nebraska statutes, and NDHHS policies and procedures. 13. Is dependable and punctual regarding scheduling and attendance. 14. Abides by all specific program and Agency procedures, policies, and requirements. 15. Documents information on NFOCUS. 16. Advocates for children, families, and youth at all times. 17. Performs other program related duties as assigned. Requirements / Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or other closely related area. Consideration will be given to applicants who are enrolled in the final semester of their Bachelor’s degree. Promotion to the Child and Family Services Specialist classification is contingent on successful completion of degree requirements and required training. *If experienced CFSS Specialist then will start at $24.552. If not will start at Entry level rate of $20.936 and then rate rate will increase after training. Preferred Qualifications: Previous Child and Family Services experience in either an ongoing or initial assessment worker. Knowledge of NFOCUS, Microsoft Word, Excel, and WebEx as well as Outlook. Other: Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation. *If experienced CFSS Specialist then will start at $24.552. If not will start at Entry level rate of $20.936 and then rate rate will increase after training. . Ability to work effectively with community service providers, the court and legal systems. 2. Must demonstrate knowledge of, and comply with, statutes and policies which affect target population. 3. Must be knowledgeable of community resources and service providers available in the geographical area. 4. Must possess valid driver's license with a good driving record, plus ability to provide own transportation to complete travel requirements of job. 5. Skills acquired from working with state and local agencies is preferred. 6. Must maintain a high level of confidentiality. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! For more information on benefits currently offered to permanent teammates, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you. Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!