Child and Family Services Specialist: Bridge to Independence Coordinator

Job Title

Child and Family Services Specialist:
Bridge to Independence Coordinator (JR)

Columbus, NE or Norfolk, NE

Hourly: $21.836 during training, $25,607 after successful completion of training.

Pay rates increase on July 1: $22.327 during training and $26,183 thereafter.

Applications no longer accepted as of 06-04-2026. The position is closed.

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of young adults in Nebraska? The State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division seeks Child and Family Services Specialists to provide direct case management and engaged mentorship to young adults between the ages of 19 to 21 who qualify for the Bridge to Independence program.

• Assist young adults through their transition to self‑sufficiency by identifying support areas such as housing, employment, education, transportation, parenting, health, and mental health.
• Attend hearings and case reviews as required.
• Engage input from a broad network of community resources and manage multiple, complex cases.
• Travel and meet with many people to support client needs.

• Minimum Qualification: A Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or a closely related area. Consideration is given to applicants in the final semester of their degree. Promotion is contingent on successful completion of degree requirements and required training.
• Preferred Qualifications: Current or recent Child and Family Services Specialist; experience in child welfare and/or case management; internships with human services or child welfare agencies; excellent written and verbal communication; effective time and deadline management; ability to travel; at least 2 years of CFSS experience preferred.

Valid driver's license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.

The State of Nebraska offers a comprehensive package that includes pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities. Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency, and employment status.

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.