Child and Family Services Specialist: Bridge to Independence Coordinator

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25 Location: Columbus, NE, Norfolk, NE Hiring Rate: $21.836 Job Posting: JR2026-00026662 Child and Family Services Specialist: Bridge to Independence Coordinator (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 06-04-2026 Job Description: Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of young adults in the state of Nebraska? This position is based in Columbus or Norfolk offices in Nebraska. The State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division is seeking Child and Family Services Specialists to provide direct case management and engaged mentorship to young adults between the ages of 19 to 21 who qualify for the Bridge to Independence program. Pay during training is $21.836 /hour - and after successful completion of training will increase to $25,607. Rates will increase July 1 to $22.327 for training and $26.183 after training, If a current Child and Family Services Specialist Trainee, your current rate will remain. Work Duties: In this position, you will assist young adults through their transition to self-sufficiency by identifying areas the young adult would like support in such as securing housing, employment, education, transportation, parenting, health, and mental health to ensure stability as they move toward adulthood. Attending hearings and case reviews as required. Successful candidates will demonstrate a willingness to actively engage input from a broad network of community resources and have an ability to successfully manage all aspects of multiple, complex cases. You will travel and meet with many people Requirements/ Qualifications: Minimum Qualification: 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. Preferred Qualifications: Must be current or recent Child and family Services Specialist. Experience in child welfare and/or case management experience, internships with human services/child welfare agencies will also be considered, demonstrated ability to provide excellent written and verbal communication, and ability to effectively manage time and deadlines. This position requires the ability to travel. 2 years CFSS experience with ongoing case management preferred. Experience with young adult mental health a plus; case management experience, internships with human services/child welfare agencies will also be considered. Must demonstrate the ability to provide excellent written and verbal communication, and ability to effectively manage time and deadlines. After hire, must be certified in training which de-escalates and manages communication and physical interactions. Within your State Employment Application please address how your background enables you to fulfill the responsibilities of this position, including all casework experience. Days with some unconventional hours meeting clients needs. Other: Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: In this position, you will assist young adults through their transition to self-sufficiency by identifying areas the young adult would like to support in such as securing housing, employment, education, transportation, parenting, health and mental health to ensure stability as they move toward adulthood. Attending hearings and case reviews as required. Successful candidates will demonstrate a willingness to actively engage input from a broad network of community resources and have an ability to successfully manage all aspects of multiple, complex cases. If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: 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! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: 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. 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. Click here for a video tutorial. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io for additional support. 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!