Child Protection Specialist; Region - Eastern

Job Description – Child Protection Specialist (Region 1 - Eastern) )

Child Protection Specialist (Region 1 - Eastern) – )

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.state careers.mt.gov
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As a Child Protection Specialist, you will play a critical role in enhancing the well‑being of Montana families. You will engage directly with families facing a wide range of challenges, investigating child abuse, providing support, advocacy, and connection to vital resources. This role is both rewarding and demanding. You will navigate complex, sometimes hostile, situations that require empathy, resiliency, and a deep understanding of social systems.

While the path is not always easy, the difference you make is invaluable in Keeping Children Safe and Families Strong.

• Conduct timely assessments of reports of child maltreatment, in accordance with requirements of state and federal statutes and agency policy, using standardized safety assessment tools and decision‑making guides.
• Carry a caseload and keep all case file documentation current.
• Work collaboratively with law enforcement, other welfare professionals, and agencies.
• Prepare for and testify in court, preliminary hearings, multi‑disciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and court hearings.
• Place 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). Identify available resources and connect families and children to these resources.
• Assure child(ren) is evaluated and assessed to determine medical and psychological needs throughout the case.
• Prepare assessments, design case plans, evaluate the progress of participants, and make and monitor appropriate placements.
• Travel frequently and conduct home visits and interviews; may include out‑of‑state travel and require appropriate travel documents.
• Work during evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed and be assigned a rotating on‑call schedule.

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well‑being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana’s comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

• Required bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or 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:
  Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations).
• Self‑Management:
  Sets well‑defined and realistic personal goals; displays initiative, effort, and commitment toward completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
• Decision Making:
  Makes sound, well‑informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Advocacy:
  Develops and presents the client’s, youth’s, and/or customer’s interests in all matters.
• Teamwork:
  Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, fosters commitment and…