Child Protection Specialist; Region - Western

Child Protection Specialist (Region 5 - Western)

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Child and Family Services Division. 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 connection to vital resources.

This role is both rewarding and demanding. You will navigate complex, sometimes hostile, situations that require empathy, resiliency, and a deep understanding of social systems. While the path is not always easy, the difference you make is invaluable in keeping children safe and families strong.

Essential functions include conducting timely assessments of reports of child maltreatment, carrying a caseload and keeping all case file documentation current, working collaboratively with law enforcement, other welfare professionals, and agencies, preparing for and testifying in court, placing children in out-of-home care when necessary, identifying available resources and connecting families and children to these resources, and ensuring children are evaluated and assessed to determine medical and psychological needs throughout the case.

This role requires frequent travel and conducting in-home visits and interviews, and may include out-of-state travel, which will require the willingness to have appropriate travel documents. While you have a standard schedule, there will be times when critical business needs will require work during evenings, weekends, or holidays. Please note that as part of your job responsibilities, you will be assigned a rotating on-call schedule.

Why join DPHHS? Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents. The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Minimum qualifications for this career opportunity include a required bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related degree, and two years of social services work experience, or directly related work experience, working with children and families in difficult and sometimes volatile situations. Preferred experience includes working with tribal government entities and/or other organizations of native peoples, and knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family centered social work practice.

To apply, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website: cover letter explaining why you are passionate about this line of work and why you are interested in this particular position, and resume. Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended.

DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.