Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3 (Child Safety Response Center

Department MISSION

To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong.

A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities.

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.

The Child Safety Response Center (CSRC) serves as the first point of contact for individuals reporting concerns of child abuse, neglect, or other child welfare issues. Operating as a 911-style call center for child abuse and neglect, the CSRC receives and assesses reports through phone calls, electronic submissions, and other communication channels.

Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) gather critical information, assess the nature and urgency of each situation, and ensure the appropriate personnel and resources are notified in a timely and accurate manner. This role is essential to supporting the safety and well-being of children through prompt, thorough screening, assessment, and referral. The position requires strong communication, sound decision-making, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you!

• Three years of experience in child welfare; OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field; OR
• A bachelor’s degree.

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.

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

A current driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.

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.

• Receive and screen intake reports via phone, mail, fax, or email.
• Gather sufficient information needed to make an appropriate and sound decision at intake.
• Complete the required forms, conducts thorough search via agency data systems and inputs reported information into data systems.
• Provide quality customer service through the use of listening skills, interviewing skills and through the provision of information relative to community resources.
• Attends and participates in formalized training programs and seminars relative to child abuse/neglect and investigative techniques.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

This vacancy may be filled as a Child Welfare Specialist Trainee, 1, 2 or 3 depending on experience.

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

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.

Baton Rouge,…