Child and Family Services Specialist​/Trainee-Kearney

About the Role

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 work has traditionally been known as Child Protective Services and directly supports our mission of Helping People Live Better Lives.

• 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, and evening work 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.

As a CFSS, you may enter homes that are in poor or unsanitary conditions and encounter emotionally difficult situations. Worker safety is a top priority, and training and protocols are in place to prepare and 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 and appropriate placements.

The role can be demanding, but you will receive ongoing supervision, training, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners to ensure staff safety and effective outcomes for families.

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.

Trainee starts at $21,836 with an increase to $25,607 after successful completion of training. Rates increase July1,2026 to $22,327 for training and $26,183 after training.

Kearney, NE

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or related fields.