Child and Family Services Specialist​/Trainee; CFSS-Columbus

Job Posting

JR Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee (CFSS)-Columbus (Evergreen) (Open)

Hiring Agency

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location

Columbus, NE

Hiring Rate

$21.836

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks compassionate individuals to join as Child and Family Services Specialists (CFSS). CFSS provide trauma‑informed case management and advocacy for children and families dealing with abuse or neglect concerns.

• 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. Occasional after‑hours field experiences and case‑related responsibilities may be required. Following training, flexible work hours—including evenings—are available. The position also requires participation in an on‑call rotation, which includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

CFSS may enter homes in poor or unsanitary conditions and encounter emotionally difficult situations. Worker safety is a priority, and training and protocols support staff in the field.

Effective engagement with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability, is required. In some situations, the CFSS may need to care for children temporarily while coordinating their transition to safe placements.

Staff receive ongoing supervision, training, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners to ensure safety and effective outcomes for families.

Trainee starts at $21.836 (increases to $22.327 on July
1) with an increase to $26.183 after successful completion of training.

Working at DHHS offers more than a paycheck—it provides purpose. 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.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or related fields. Consideration is given to applicants in the final semester of their bachelor’s degree. Promotion to a CFSS is contingent on completing degree requirements and required training.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, case management, or internships with human services/child welfare agencies.

Other: Valid driver’s license is required.

In addition to salary, employees receive a comprehensive package of paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities.

The State of Nebraska values its teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The State recruits, hires, trains, and promotes in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.