CHILD Welfare Specialist Trainee ; Child Protection Investigator-Regular Shift Lake Charles

Join our dedicated team in a vital frontline role within the child protection services division of Child Welfare. In this position, you'll play a key role in protecting children by investigating reports of abuse and neglect. This is a regular‑shift opportunity, offering a consistent 5‑day workweek (Monday – Friday, 8‑hour shifts). Some occasional overtime may be required.

If you’re driven and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you!

DCFS is committed to protecting Louisiana’s most vulnerable citizens, our children.

• Three years of experience in child welfare; OR
• Six years of full‑time work experience in any field; OR
• A bachelor’s degree.
• Experience substitution:
  Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience toward the six years of full‑time work experience. Maximum substitution is 120 semester hours (four years).
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• A current driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
• The incumbent must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in R.S. 15.587.1 (c).

• Conduct investigations into allegations of child abuse and/or neglect.
• Gather and document detailed case information and records for court proceedings and provide testimony during court proceedings.
• Make timely and appropriate referrals to family services, foster care programs, and other community‑based resources to address the needs of children and families.

• Appointment Type:
  Probational
• Career Progression Group:
  Child Welfare Specialist Trainee/1/2/3 (based on experience)
• Location:
  
  Region 6 – Lake Charles, comprising the parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson‑Davis

Placement will be determined by parish availability and your location preferences.

• State Central Registry (SCR) check to determine whether the candidate’s name appears on an SCR subsequent to December 31, 2009.
• Drug test
• Criminal background check
• Louisiana State Police Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry check

No Civil Service Test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status information can be found under the information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in this application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

For further information about this vacancy, contact:
Miranda Batiste via email ac.

DCFS.

DCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.