Child Welfare Specialist I​/II​/III

Job Summary

Location:

Enid, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) is the state’s largest child welfare agency. We have the opportunity to positively impact the safety and well‑being of children and families.

• Investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect and protect the safety of children.
• Provide services to help families address barriers that place children at risk.
• Preserve and strengthen parents’ protective capacities to keep children at home and prevent unnecessary out‑of‑home placements.
• Provide services and placements that meet children’s medical, educational, and physical needs, returning children to their homes as soon as possible or arranging permanent plans if a home return isn’t feasible.
• Complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program: learn treatment, conduct assessments, refer families to community services, prepare case reports, attend court hearings, consult with attorneys and tribal partners, and provide direct services to children in placement.
• Participate in investigations of abuse and neglect and prepare documentation.
• Attend court hearings and provide testimony.
• Consult with the District Attorney, other attorneys, and tribal partners regarding protection, reunification, or permanent plans.
• Travel extensively; maintain a valid driver’s license; use state vehicles as required.
• Work on-call, extended, and weekend hours as needed.

• Child Welfare Specialist, Level I
  Completion of 90 college or university hours or 3 years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience.
• Child Welfare Specialist, Level II
  A bachelor’s degree in any field or one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.
• Child Welfare Specialist, Level III
  A master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree plus one year of experience, or two years of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.

Level I – $37,280.75 plus full state employee benefits.
Level II – $40,077.79 plus full state employee benefits.
Level III – $43,968.62 plus full state employee benefits.
Applicants with a Master’s Degree in Social Work receive a 5% salary incentive.
On-call positions receive an additional bonus of $100 to $150 every two weeks, depending on responsibilities.

All new employees complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program, which covers treatment, assessment, referral, investigation, court preparation, consulting, direct services, and permanent planning.

Extensive travel required. Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain required car insurance. State vehicles will be available. Hours may include on-call, extended, and weekend work.

OKDHS is a Fair Chance Employer.