Child Protection Specialist; Region - Western

Job Title

Child Protection Specialist (Region 5 - Western)

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, resilience, and a deep understanding of social systems to navigate complex, sometimes hostile, situations.

• Conduct timely assessments of reports of child maltreatment in accordance with state and federal statutes using standardized safety assessment tools.
• Carry a caseload and maintain current case file documentation.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, other welfare professionals, and agencies.
• Prepare for and testify in court hearings, preliminary hearings, multidisciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and court hearings.
• Place child(ren) in out‑of‑home care when necessary and ensure placements are safe, compliant with statutory policies, and in the best interests of the child(ren).
• Identify available resources and connect families and children to these resources.
• Assure child(ren) is evaluated and assessed for medical and psychological needs throughout the case.
• Prepare assessments, design case plans, evaluate progress, and monitor appropriate placements.
• Travel frequently for in‑home visits, interviews, and may include out‑of‑state travel; appropriate travel documents are required.
• Work during evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed and participate in a rotating on‑call schedule.

Our mission at DPHHS is to serve Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well‑being, and empower independence. Joining our department gives you the opportunity to perform meaningful public service work for the state and its residents. The State of Montana’s comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

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

• Stress Tolerance:
  Deals calmly and effectively with high‑stress situations.
• Self‑Management:
  Sets realistic personal goals, works with minimal supervision, and demonstrates initiative and commitment.
• Decision Making:
  Makes sound, objective decisions, perceives impacts, and commits to action even in uncertainty.
• Advocacy:
  Develops and presents the client’s interests in all matters.
• Teamwork:
  Fosters collaboration, trust, and commitment with others to achieve goals.
• Critical Decision Making:
  Integrates information from multiple sources in high‑stress situations.
• Engagement:
  Engages children and families under difficult circumstances to collect sufficient information for accurate decisions.
• Relationship Building:
  Remains calm when confronted and develops constructive, cooperative relationships, even with those who may be violent or angry.
• Computer Proficiency:
  Operates a personal computer and general office equipment, including spreadsheets, word processing, databases, email, and internet applications.

To be considered, submit the required documents to the State of Montana Careers website. Attach the following:

• Cover Letter – explain why you are passionate about this line of work and this particular position.
• Resume

Successful applicants will undergo background checks and reference checks before an offer is extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

Location:

Missoula (primary); other locations include Superior, Hamilton, Polson.

$30.55 – $30.55 per hour

Day Job

Yes, approximately 25 % of the time

Makayla Mangold | makayla.mangold2 | 406‑444‑3136

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications.