Child Protection Specialist; Region - Northwestern

Child Protection Specialist (Region 6 - Northwestern) )

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 connecting them to vital resources. This role is both rewarding and demanding, requiring empathy, resiliency, and a deep understanding of social systems.

• Conduct timely assessments of reports of child maltreatment in accordance with state and federal statutes, using standardized safety assessment tools and decision‑making guides.
• Carry a caseload and keep all case file documentation current.
• Work collaboratively with law enforcement, welfare professionals, and agencies.
• Prepare for and testify in court, preliminary hearings, multi‑disciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and other court hearings.
• Place children in out‑of‑home care when necessary, ensuring placement is safe and complies with statutory and policy preferences and the best interests of the child.
• Identify resources and connect families and children to these resources.
• Ensure children are evaluated and assessed to determine medical and psychological needs throughout the case.
• Prepare assessments, design case plans, evaluate progress, and monitor placements.
• Travel frequently for home visits and interviews, including out‑of‑state travel if required.
• Work during evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed, and be available on a rotating on‑call schedule.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field.
• At least two years of social services work experience, or directly related experience working with children and families in difficult or volatile situations.
• Experience working with tribal governments and/or organizations of native peoples is a plus.
• Knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family‑centered social work practice.

• Stress tolerance – able to remain calm and effective in high‑stress situations.
• Self‑management – set realistic goals, work with minimal supervision, and demonstrate initiative and commitment.
• Decision making – make sound, objective decisions and act decisively even in uncertain situations.
• Advocacy – present client and youth interests in all matters.
• Teamwork – encourage cooperation, foster trust, and work with others to achieve goals.
• Ability to engage children and families, gather information, and make accurate decisions.
• Interpersonal skills – remain calm, develop constructive relationships even with difficult or hostile individuals.
• Computer proficiency – operate personal computer and general office equipment (spreadsheets, word processing, database, email, internet).

Health insurance, retirement plan, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The State of Montana is an equal‑opportunity employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.