Child Welfare Consultant; Lafayette Region

Position Overview

Child Welfare Consultant – senior‑level staff responsible for advanced case management, program coordination, focused training and professional consulting in child welfare service delivery. The incumbent serves as a lead or subject‑matter specialist, operates with limited managerial oversight, and exercises advanced judgment in complex cases.

Location depends on domicile of selected candidate; the position may be based in the Lafayette Region. Typical work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Flexible schedules are available after meeting certain criteria, and some positions may require shift work.

• Manage a specialized caseload of complex, high‑risk, and sensitive cases
• Serve as designated lead by providing advanced consultation, technical expertise, and decision‑making support
• Integrate knowledge across multiple program areas to ensure continuity of care and compliance with legal mandates
• Provide expert testimony in court and serve as liaison with legal, medical, and community stakeholders
• Assist in implementing program improvements and operational strategies
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and training to new and developing staff
• Conduct case reviews, audits, and evaluations to ensure compliance
• Analyze data to identify risks, trends, and opportunities

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Seven years of experience in child welfare
• Six years of full‑time work experience in any field plus four years in social services, health services, law enforcement, or investigatory work
• A bachelor’s degree plus four years in social services, health services, law enforcement, or investigatory work
• An advanced degree in a social science or behavioral health field, nursing, or a juris doctorate plus three years in social services, health services, law enforcement, or investigatory work

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 in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours, which substitutes for up to four years of experience.

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent
• Current driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle

The appointment type may be probationary or a job appointment lasting up to 48 months, with the possibility of conversion to probationary. The position may also be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

Selected candidates must pass Drug Test, Criminal Background, State Central Registry, Louisiana State Police Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry. In accordance with state laws, these checks must be passed before any final job offer is made.

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.