Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee (CFSS)-Columbus

Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee

The work we do matters! The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking compassionate and committed individuals to join our team as Child and Family Services Specialists (CFSS). These professionals provide essential support to children and families through trauma-informed case management and advocacy. This vital role directly supports our mission of Helping People Live Better Lives.

About the Role

This role can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. As a CFSS, you will support families involved with the child welfare system, primarily due to concerns of abuse and/or neglect. You will assess safety, work collaboratively with families and community partners, and promote permanency and well-being for children. You will frequently travel to and meet with families in their homes, attend community meetings, participate in multidisciplinary team discussions, and be involved in legal proceedings, including providing court testimony when necessary. Salary: Trainee starts at $21.836 with an increase to $25.607 after successful completion of training.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a case manager for families referred to DHHS.
• Conduct home visits and comprehensive safety assessments in diverse community settings.
• Advocate for the well-being of children and families while respecting cultural and individual diversity.
• Apply family-centered practices and actively involve families in decision-making.
• Collaborate with the legal system and other partners to support case permanency goals.
• Utilize Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools to inform safety planning and case decisions.
• Write timely, accurate, and professional documentation for internal and legal use.
• Connect families to formal services and informal supports based on assessed needs.
• Promote normalcy and permanency for children in care.
• Apply trauma-informed and least-restrictive approaches to strengthen family functioning and resilience.

Work Schedule & Flexibility

The training schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this period, occasional after-hours field experiences and case-related responsibilities may be required. Following the completion of training, flexible work hours are available. Evening hours may be necessary to accommodate the needs of assigned families. This position also requires participation in an on-call rotation, which includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

Work Environment & Expectations

As a CFSS, you will sometimes enter homes that are in poor or unsanitary conditions and may encounter emotionally difficult situations. Worker safety is a top priority, and training and protocols are in place to prepare and support staff in the field.

You must be able to engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability. In some situations, you may be required to care for children temporarily while coordinating their transition to safe and appropriate placements.

While the work can be demanding, you will never be doing it alone. Ongoing supervision, training, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners help ensure both staff safety and effective outcomes for families.

Why Join Us?

Working at DHHS offers more than a paycheck—it provides purpose. Benefits include:

• Vacation and sick leave begin accruing immediately upon hire.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Agency-backed retirement plan with employer match.
• Supportive leadership and team culture.
• Numerous opportunities for internal advancement and promotion.

Start your career with Nebraska today and make a meaningful impact on families across our state!

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or other related fields. Consideration will be given to applicants who are enrolled in the final semester of their bachelor's degree. Promotion to a Child and Family Services Specialist is contingent on successfully completing degree requirements and required training.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice and/or case management experience, internships with human services/child welfare agencies will also be considered

Other: Valid Driver's license is required

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.

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.