Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3 (CW-SO-Care Connections Matching)

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. At The Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity. Join Our Team at DCFS: Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3- (CW-SO-Care Connections Matching) This position serves as an advanced worker-level role within Care Connections – Matching, reporting to a Matching Child Welfare Supervisor. The incumbent is responsible for performing care connection activities for children in foster care by coordinating matches between children and caregivers or care settings that align with their assessed needs, services, and permanency goals. If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you! Qualifications Three years of experience in child welfare; OR Six years of full-time work 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. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent. A current driver's license and access to a personal vehicle. 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). The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here. Job Duties Performs the matching of children to appropriate caregivers or care settings based on assessed needs, utilizing standardized tools, professional judgment, and available resource information. Documents all matching activities, including rationale for placement decisions, in accordance with policy, timelines, and system requirements. Communicates placement recommendations clearly and timely to supervisors, case workers, and other stakeholders. Ensures all matching decisions are consistent with DCFS policy, regulatory expectations, and Care Connections principles. Participates in case staffing, multidisciplinary team meetings, and care planning discussions to support informed and coordinated placement decisions. Maintains accurate, timely, and complete documentation of all matching activities and case information. Position-Specific Details Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment. 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 permanent classified employee. Career Progression: Child Welfare Specialist Trainee/1/2/3 (based on experience). Work Schedule: Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts. Compensation: The referenced positions have a Special Entrance Rate (SER) see below: Child Welfare Specialist Trainee - SER: $1,649.60 bi-weekly Child Welfare Specialist 1 - SER: $1,764.80 bi-weekly Child Welfare Specialist 2 - SER: $1,820.80 bi-weekly Child Welfare Specialist 3 - SER: $1,948.00 bi-weekly Work Location: The domicile of this vacancy will be determined by the selected applicant. Louisiana HB 420 requires all prospective DCFS employees to complete and clear multiple background clearances prior to employment with this agency. DCFS is an “Equal Opportunity Employer”, and Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr DCFS-Department of Children and Family Services