Social Services Specialist

About This Job Department MISSION To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong. Department VISION A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities. Department VALUES Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity. This position is located in the Caddo Parish Child Welfare office in Shreveport, LA The Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an employee eager to support the safe and successful outcomes for children and families. This applicant has a wonderful opportunity to gain significant work experience in a rewarding job with Child Welfare. This position serves as a professional administrative support to the child welfare case worker. Additionally, duties of this position will require contact with children and/or agency clientele. The selected applicant is not required to have experience in the Child Welfare field but should possess genuine care, compassion and concern for supporting the mission of keeping children safe while helping families become self-sufficient. An Ideal Candidate Should Possess The Following Competencies Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions. Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement. Demonstrating Accountability: The ability to take ownership of actions, behaviors, performance, decisions, and outcomes. Adapting to Change: The ability to demonstrate flexibility in thoughts, behaviors, and actions in response to evolving circumstances or unexpected change. Solving Problems: The ability to identify root causes, analyze relevant data, and apply practical or innovative solutions to challenges. Acting with Ethics and Integrity: The ability to make choices that reflect ethical standards, integrity and honesty, regardless of circumstances or personal benefit. Minimum Qualifications Three years of experience in social services; OR Six years of full‑time experience in any field; OR A bachelor's degree. Experience Substitution Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full‑time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field. Job Specification The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here. Job Duties: Assist child welfare specialists by gathering information. Assist in the provision of other supportive services for clients from community resources. Input information into child welfare programs including TIPS, completing referrals, case records, day care records, perform clearances, and email. Correspond with community partners and other agencies. Transport clients to and from appointments. Perform other related duties as assigned. Position-Specific Details: Location: This position is located in the Caddo Parish Child Welfare Unit Appointment Type: This position may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a classified permanent employee. Work Schedule: Work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Compensation: The referenced position has a Special Entrance Rate (SER) of $16.42 hourly (Pay Level SS-410). This position is also eligible for premium pay of $2.00 hourly. In accordance with La. R.S. 46:51.2 the department shall conduct a State Central Registry (SCR) check for a potential employee of the department to determine whether or not said individual’s name appears on a SCR subsequent to December 31, 2009, and whose duties include: investigations of child abuse or neglect, supervisory or disciplinary authority over children, direct care to a child, or performance of licensing surveys. In accordance with state laws, selected candidates must pass the following checks before any final job offer will be made: Drug Test, Criminal Background, State Central Registry, and Louisiana State Police Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry. Note: The incumbent of this position must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in R.S. 15.587.1 (c). Must possess a valid driver's license & access to a personal vehicle. Contact Information For additional information about this vacancy, please contact: Laura Milstead View email address on click.appcast.io DCFS is an "Equal Opportunity Employer" and Louisiana is a "State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities". Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career. As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program: Insurance Coverage More information can be found at Parental Leave – Up to six weeks paid parental leave More information can be found at Holidays and Leave New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mardi Gras, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase. Retirement Louisiana State Employees Retirement System ( LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana ( Louisiana School Employees Retirement System ( among others #J-18808-Ljbffr