Child and Family Services Specialist​/Trainee; CFSS-Caring Investigative Worker

Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee (CFSS)-Caring Investigative Worker

Job Posting JR

Location North Platte, NE

Salary Trainee starts at $21.836 with an increase to $25.607 after successful completion of training.

Job Description You have the passion; we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans! The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is 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. This vital role directly supports our mission of Helping People Live Better Lives.

This role can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. As a CFSS, you will support families involved with the child welfare system, primarily due to concerns of abuse and/or neglect. You will assess safety, work collaboratively with families and community partners, and promote permanency and well‑being for children. You will frequently travel to and meet with families in their homes, attend community meetings, participate in multidisciplinary team discussions, and be involved in legal proceedings, including providing court testimony when necessary.

• 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.

The training schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this period, occasional after‑hours field experiences and case‑related responsibilities may be required. Following completion of training, flexible work hours are available, including evening hours, and the position requires participation in an on‑call rotation, which includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

As a CFSS, you will sometimes enter homes that are in poor or unsanitary conditions and may encounter emotionally difficult situations. Worker safety is a top priority, and training and protocols are in place to prepare and support staff in the field. You must be able to engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability.

In some situations, you may be required to care for children temporarily while coordinating their transition to safe and appropriate placements. Ongoing supervision, training, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners help ensure both staff safety and effective outcomes for families.

Working at DHHS offers more than a paycheck—it provides purpose. Benefits include:

• Vacation and sick leave begin accruing 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.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or other related fields. Consideration will be given to applicants who are enrolled in the final semester of their bachelor’s degree. Promotion to a Child and Family Services Specialist is contingent on successfully completing degree requirements and required training.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice and/or case management…