Child and Family Services Specialist​/Trainee; CFSS-Caring Investigative Worker

Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee (CFSS)-Caring Investigative Worker

Join to apply for the Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee (CFSS)-Caring Investigative Worker role at Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

JR - Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee (CFSS)-Caring Investigative Worker (Evergreen), Open position.

Location:

Columbus, NE
Hiring Rate: $21.836 (Trainee); $25.607 after training completion.

Job Description:

You have the passion; we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks compassionate and committed individuals to join our team as Child and Family Services Specialists (CFSS). These professionals provide essential support to children and families through trauma‑informed case management and advocacy, supporting our mission of Helping People Live Better Lives.

This role can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. As a CFSS, you will support families involved with the child welfare system due to concerns of abuse and/or neglect. You will assess safety, work collaboratively with families and community partners, and promote permanency and well‑being for children. You will frequently travel to and meet with families in their homes, attend community meetings, participate in multidisciplinary team discussions, and be involved in legal proceedings, including providing court testimony when necessary.

Trainee starts at $21.836 with an increase to $25.607 after successful completion of training.

• Serve as a case manager for families referred to DHHS.
• Conduct home visits and comprehensive safety assessments in diverse community settings.
• Advocate for the well‑being of children and families while respecting cultural and individual diversity.
• Apply family‑centered practices and actively involve families in decision‑making.
• Collaborate with the legal system and other partners to support case permanency goals.
• Utilize Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools to inform safety planning and case decisions.
• Write timely, accurate, and professional documentation for internal and legal use.
• Connect families to formal services and informal supports based on assessed needs.
• Promote normalcy and permanency for children in care.
• Apply trauma‑informed and least‑restrictive approaches to strengthen family functioning and resilience.

The training schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this period, occasional after‑hours field experiences and case‑related responsibilities may be required. Following completion of training, flexible work hours are available, with evening hours, weeknights, weekends, and holidays included in an on‑call rotation.

As a CFSS, you may enter homes in poor or unsanitary conditions and may encounter emotionally difficult situations. Worker safety is a top priority, with training and protocols in place to prepare and support staff in the field.

You must be able to engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability. In some situations, you may be required to care for children temporarily while coordinating their transition to safe and appropriate placements.

While the work can be demanding, ongoing supervision, training, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners help ensure staff safety and effective outcomes.

Working at DHHS offers purpose beyond a paycheck. Benefits include:

• Vacation and sick leave begin accruing immediately upon hire.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Agency‑backed retirement plan with employer match.
• Supportive leadership and team culture.
• Numerous opportunities for internal advancement and promotion.

Start your career with Nebraska today and make a meaningful impact on families across our state!

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or other related fields. Consideration will be given to applicants…