Services Specialist 9-12 - Oceana - Foster Care Case Manager/CPS Investigator

Job Description

The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan. (Download PDF reader)

The Services Specialist will utilize child welfare practice skills to ensure children are protected from abuse and neglect.  When child abuse or neglect is indicated, specialists work closely with families and the legal system toward a goal of reunification, independent living, or other permanent living situation.
 
To be considered, you MUST:

• Attach a copy of your official transcripts showing you meet the below educational requirements. These must be signed by the registrar or show the university seal. We do accept electronic official transcripts.
• Attach an up to date resume.
• Attach a cover letter.
• Attach a written response to the "Is This Job For Me?" video answering the following questions:
  • If selected for this position what do you believe your biggest challenge will be? 
  • How do you see yourself overcoming this challenge? 

Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application being screened out.

Review the position description at: Position Description (Download PDF reader) (9-P11), Services Specialist 12 Position Description (Download PDF reader)
 Review the job specification at: Job Specification (Download PDF reader)

Required Education and Experience

Education
Possession of a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a major in one of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, a human services-related counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science.

OR

Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major with at least 30 semester (45 term) credits in one or a combination of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, a human services-related counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science. If yes, please attach ALL copies of your official college transcripts.

Experience
Services Specialist 9
No specific type or amount is required.

Services Specialist 10
One year of professional experience providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist 9.

Services Specialist P11
Two years of professional experience providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist, including one year equivalent to a Services Specialist 10.

Services Specialist 12 
Three years of professional experience providing social casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist, including one year equivalent to a Services Specialist P11.

Additional Requirements and Information

When you apply, your application is valid for 6 months.  After 6 months, you MUST reapply for continued consideration.

The office location for this position is at Oceana County DHHS, 4081 West Polk Rd, Hart MI, 49420, however, this position has the ability to work hybrid (combination of remote and office). The hybrid work environment offers a flexible working arrangement where an employee works some of their time remotely and some of their time at the office location listed. Selected candidates who have been approved to work hybrid must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm the work location and schedule at the time of the interview.


 The Oceana Department of Health and Human Services is looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Michigan’s most vulnerable children and families. Our Child Welfare Program needs your help to better protect children and engage parents and families to make positive, permanent changes in their circumstances and lives. If you are passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply!

We bring HOPE to Oceana County!
 
 Why join us?
 Working for the Oceana Department of Health and Human Services is rewarding and challenging. Whether you are on the frontline or supporting those who work directly with children, youth, and families, you will play a part in helping to strengthen families. We offer a team environment and career development in a close-knit community. Working with Oceanna County DHHS you will receive support and mentoring.  We strive to help individuals develop professionally and gain personal fulfillment with a value of maintaining work/life balance.  We provide flexibility in work schedules. Oceana DHHS is committed to hiring a diverse workforce to work with clients from all walks of life.
 
 Job Duties
 A career in child welfare requires a diverse range of knowledge, qualities, and skills. Individuals aspiring to pursue this career path should possess the following skills:

• Organization: To manage caseloads and maintain files and electronic case records.
• Time management: To set appointments to interview people and conduct timely follow-ups with clients.
• Compassion: To demonstrate empathy, get a deep understanding of how their situations impact clients and forge trust-based relationships.
• Critical thinking: To assess clients’ situations and develop programs and services that meet their needs.
• Communication: To listen effectively and speak with people of various ages and from different backgrounds, from children and parents to medical professionals and lawyers.
• Ability to work independently: To stay on top of paperwork and casework for assigned cases.
• Resilience: To effectively handle emotionally challenging situations and high levels of stress.
• Decision-making: To respond to crises in a timely fashion and determine whether children should be separated from their families and placed into a foster home.

As a Condition of Employment – this position requires a valid driver's license and successful completion of a background investigation including fingerprinting and a criminal records check.

Upon hire, the successful candidate will be required to complete a nine week pre-service training program that includes a total of 270 hours of competency-based classroom and field training. Additionally, the employee must successfully complete a minimum number of hours of in-service training on an annual basis.

THIS POSTING IS BEING USED TO RECRUIT FOR BOTH PERMANENT AND LIMITED TERM APPOINTMENTS. A LIMITED TERM ASSIGNMENT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF BECOMING PERMANENT, BUT THIS IS NOT GUARANTEED.