Child Welfare Specialist I​/II​/III

Working in Child Welfare for Oklahoma's largest state agency means having the opportunity to positively impact the safety and well-being of children and families for generations to come. If you have a passion for social work and making a difference in your local community, OKDHS has a place for you! Join our team and create pathways to hope for all Oklahomans.

• Level I H23A - $37,280.75 + Full State Employee Benefits
• Level II H23B - $40,077.79 + Full State Employee Benefits
• Level III H23C - $43,968.62 + Full State Employee Benefits

• Completion of 90 hours from an accredited college or university;
• OR 3 years of experience related to child welfare work;
• OR A combination of education and experience

• A bachelor's degree (in any field) to qualify;
• OR One year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist

• A Master's degree;
• OR a Bachelors Degree plus one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist;
• OR Two years of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist

Responsibilities may include one or more of the following, within Child Welfare Programs.

• Investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect
• Protects the safety of children and provides services to help families with any barriers that can result in the safety of their children to be at risk

• Preserves and strengthen protective capacities of the parents to keep the child in their own home with a focus on increasing safety for the child and family to prevent unnecessary out-of-home placements

• Provides services to families that include involving family members as participants in their own treatment plan
• Provides placements for children which will meet their medical, educational, and physical needs
• Returns children to their own homes as soon as their needs can be met in the home of their parent(s), and arranges a permanent plan when return to the home is not possible

• Learn treatment and preventive services;
• Visit children in placement and conduct assessments of children and families;
• Refer families and children to services in the community;
• Participate in investigations of abuse and neglect of children, and prepare case reports and other documentation;
• Attends court hearings and provides testimony;
• Consults with the District Attorney and other attorneys, and tribal partners regarding efforts to protect the child, reunite the family or other permanent plans for the child;
• Provides direct services to children in placement;
• And other duties as assigned

Travel is EXTENSIVE. Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain required car insurance. State vehicles will be available for use to carry out the duties of the position.

For questions, please contact DHS.Careers.

OKDHS is a Fair Chance Employer. This position is in the Oklahoma Civil Service.