Child and Family Services Specialist; CFSS-Kearney

Overview

Job Posting: JR Child and Family Services Specialist (CFSS) - Kearney (Open)

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking 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. This role supports our mission of Helping People Live Better Lives.

Location:

Kearney, NE
• Hiring Rate: $22.327 (with increase to $26.183 after successful completion of training). The role involves travel to meet families, participate in community meetings, multidisciplinary team discussions, and potential involvement in legal proceedings, including court testimony when necessary.

• 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 the completion of training, flexible work hours are available. Evening hours may be necessary to accommodate the needs of assigned families. This position also requires participation in an on-call rotation, which includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

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

You will have access to ongoing supervision, training, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners to ensure safety and effective outcomes. Support is available even when in the field alone, via phone assistance.

Watching the Realistic Job Preview video is highly recommended prior to applying. It provides a candid look at the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of the Child and Family Services Specialist role. Viewing the video can help you decide if this position fits your skills and goals. Watch the video here

• Vacation and sick leave accrue 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 may be given to applicants in the final semester of their bachelor’s degree. Promotion to a CFSS is contingent on degree requirements and required training.

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

Other: Valid driver’s license required.

If you are currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please apply via Workday using the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. Access Workday at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The State of Nebraska values diversity and inclusion. Equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.