Child Protection Specialist; Region - Eastern

Job Title

Child Protection Specialist (Region 1 - Eastern) )

• Conducts timely assessments of reports of child maltreatment in accordance with state and federal statutes and agency policy, using standardized safety assessment tools and decision‑making guides.
• Carries a caseload and keeps all case file documentation current.
• Works collaboratively with law enforcement, other welfare professionals, and agencies.
• Prepares for and testifies in court and other proceedings, including preliminary hearings, multi‑disciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and court hearings.
• Places child(ren) in out‑of‑home care when necessary, ensuring the placement is safe and complies with statutory and policy preferences and is in the best interests of the child(ren). Identifies available resources and connects families and children to these resources.
• Ensures child(ren) are evaluated and assessed to determine medical and psychological needs throughout the case.
• Prepares assessments, designs case plans, evaluates the progress of participants, and makes and monitors appropriate placements.
• Frequent travel and conducting in‑home visits and interviews; may include out‑of‑state travel and require appropriate travel documents.
• Will work during evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed; will be assigned a rotating on‑call schedule.

• Required bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related degree.
• Two years of social services work experience, or directly related work experience, working with children and families in difficult and sometimes volatile situations.
• Experience working with tribal government entities and/or other organizations of native peoples.
• Knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family‑centered social work practice.

• Stress tolerance – handles high‑stress situations calmly and effectively.
• Self‑management – sets realistic personal goals, works with minimal supervision, and demonstrates initiative and responsibility.
• Decision making – makes sound, well‑informed, objective decisions and commits to action even in uncertain situations.
• Advocacy – develops and presents the client’s, youth’s, and/or customer’s interests.
• Teamwork – encourages cooperation, fosters commitment, and works with others to achieve goals.
• Ability to make critical decisions based on integration of information from multiple sources in high‑stress situations.
• Ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances to gather sufficient information for accurate, precise decisions.
• Ability to remain calm when confronted and develop constructive, cooperative working relationships even with violent or angry individuals.
• Computer proficiency – operates a personal computer and general office equipment, including spreadsheet, word processing, database, email, and internet applications.

Comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. DPHHS offers advancement opportunities within the largest state agency.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff. The State of Montana does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.