Child and Family Services Specialist​/Trainee-Kearney

Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee - Kearney (Evergreen)

Location: Kearney, NE

Hiring Rate: $22.327

We are 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.

• 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.
• Work with children temporarily when necessary while coordinating their transition to safe and appropriate placements.

Training schedule:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional after-hours field experiences and case-related responsibilities may be required. Following training completion, flexible work hours are available, including evenings. The position requires participation in an on-call rotation, which includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

CFSS may enter homes that are in poor or unsanitary conditions and encounter emotionally difficult situations. Staff safety is a top priority, and training and protocols are in place to support field staff. Employees must engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability.

Minimum Qualifications: 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 their final semester of a bachelor’s degree. Promotion to a CFSS requires completion of 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.

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. Comprehensive pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities.

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