Services Specialist Assistant 8-E10 - Van Buren County

Salary : $1,922.40 - $2,647.20 Biweekly
Location : Hartford, MI
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 4308-26-VANBUREN-028-EST
Department: Health and Human Services - Counties
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW)


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.

This position performs a variety of activities to support the implementation of case plan implementation and permanency planning for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who receive services in the areas of child welfare including child protective services, prevention, foster care, licensing, and adoption.
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.
• For candidates who do NOT possess a State of Michigan Driver's license but have a license from another state, please provide an official two year driving record from the state in which you currently hold a valid license.

Required Education and Experience

Education
Completion of two years of college (60 semester or 90 term credits) with a minimum of 15 semester (23 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.

Experience
Services Specialist Assistant 8
No specific type or amount is required.
Services Specialist Assistant 9
One year of experience equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 8.
Services Specialist Assistant E10
Two years of experience equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 8 or one year equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 9.
Additional Requirements and Information

If you have already applied, there is no need to reapply.

Position Location: The physical location of this position is Van Buren County MDHHS, 57150 Co Rd 681, Hartford, MI 49057. Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate or hybrid work schedule requests for this position may be considered.


Selected candidates who have been approved to work remotely or a hybrid schedule must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.


What is it about this position that would make me want to apply? This position will perform a variety of activities to include the following:

• Accompany Services Specialist on visits with youth and family members.
• Transport family members to facilitate family involvement.
• Report observations made during visits to the Services Specialist and propose recommendations as needed.
• Participate in Team Decision Meetings, as needed.
• Participate in pre-placement conferences with Services specialist
• Assist the Services Specialist in interviewing and engaging with relatives and prospective adoptive parents.
• Assist the Services Specialist in the home study.
• Supervise parent-youth, sibling, relative and/or potential adoptive relative's visitations. Observe interactions, intercede when required, and report any incidents/observations to the Services Specialist.

MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.


Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:

Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.


Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at


Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at


Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.


Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.


Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.


Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.


Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.


Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.


Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.


Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.


Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.


Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.


Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.


Updated: 2/28/24
01


SRVSPLA - Do you possess one of the following?At least two years of college (60 semester or 90 term credits) with a minimum of 15 semester (23 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?

• Yes
• No

02


From the options below, which accurately describes your current status? (A current state employee works for an actual state department such as the Department of Corrections, the Department of Transportation, etc.)

• A current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) employee
• A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) employee in layoff status
• A current State of Michigan (non-MDHHS) employee
• A State of Michigan (non-MDHHS) employee in layoff status
• None of the above

03


*Are you currently in a position at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that is represented by the UAW Local 6000? (Services Specialists, FIS, GOA, or APW)

• Yes
• No

04


Are you a current MDHHS employee classified as a Services Specialist Assistant 8/9/E10 interested in moving to the same class and level at this location?

• Yes
• No

05


Describe a time when you had to navigate cultural differences in a professional or work setting.
06


*Do you have any objection to being finger printed or drug tested?

• Yes
• No

07


*Please select from the options below: (Please note, actions that have been expunged, formal counseling, and layoff actions need not be reported.) Please select all that apply.

• I have been dismissed within the last two years
• I have resigned in lieu of discipline or dismissal within the last two years
• I have been suspended without pay within the last two years
• I have received a written reprimand within the last two years
• I have received an unsatisfactory rating within the last two years
• I have signed a last chance agreement with MDHHS within the last two years
• I certify that none of the above circumstances apply to me

08


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

09


If you answered yes to the previous question, please list the state issued by, license number, expiration date. If no, type N/A. (If you have a driver's license issued outside the State of Michigan, you must attach a 2yr driving history to your application.)
10


*Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

11


*Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor?

• Yes
• No

12


Have you lived outside the State of Michigan in the previous 5 years? (Selected applicants who have lived outside the State of Michigan within the previous 5 years will need to provide a Central Registry record for the State(s) in which they resided in for the previous 5 years prior to being hired.)

• Yes
• No

13


*Do you have any substantiated cases of abuse or neglect reported on the Department of Human Services Central Registry?

• Yes
• No

14


*Do you have an Intentional Program Violation from the Department of Health and Human Services?

• Yes
• No

15


Have you ever been found responsible in a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect?

• Yes
• No

16


If yes, please explain in detail what changes you have made to mitigate your previous actions. If no, enter "N/A."
17


This position will be providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Do you have an interest in this type of work?

• Yes
• No

18


Are you willing to travel to families' homes, agencies in the community, and transport individuals to various locations throughout the State of Michigan?

• Yes
• No

19


Do you have an interest in working directly and independently with families involved with CPS and Foster Care?

• Yes
• No

20


Did you attach a cover letter and a copy of your resume to your application? (Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.)

• Yes
• No

21


Did you attach a copy of an official college/university transcript to your application? (Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question