Posting number: 228165CWST1-3-CC-LIC-11.4.26SS

Department: DCFS-Department of Children and Family Services

Job classification: CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST TRAINEE

Posting type: Open

Categories: Social Services

Summary

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Department MISSION

To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong.

Department VISION

A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities

Department VALUES

Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity.

At The Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

Join Our Team at DCFS: Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3- (CW-SO-Care Licensing)

This position serves as an advanced-level professional Child Welfare Specialist within the DCFS Child Welfare Division, responsible for performing foster and adoptive caregiver certification and re-certification activities under the supervision of a Child Welfare Supervisor.

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

Examples of duties

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 towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

A current driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.

NOTE:
The incumbent of this position must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in R.S. 15.587.1 (c).

Qualifications

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Supplemental information

Job Duties:

Maintains a caseload of foster and adoptive homes and performs certification and re-certification activities.
Conducts comprehensive home studies, safety assessments, and caregiver evaluations to determine compliance with certification standards.
Develops and monitors corrective action plans to address deficiencies and ensure compliance.
Maintains complete and accurate case records (electronic and paper) in accordance with policy, licensing regulations, and legal requirements.
Makes recommendations regarding approval, denial, or continuation of certification.
Maintains required contacts with foster/adoptive families, including home visits and support interactions.
Coordinates with community resources, service providers, and stakeholders to support caregivers and children placed in the home.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment. This position may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

Career Progression: Child Welfare Specialist Trainee/1/2/3 (based on experience).

Work Schedule: Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts.

Compensation: The referenced positions have a Special Entrance Rate (SER) see below:

Child Welfare Specialist Trainee - SER: $1,649.60bi-weekly
Child Welfare Specialist 1 - SER: $1,764.80bi-weekly
Child Welfare Specialist 2 - SER: $1,820.80 bi-weekly
Child Welfare Specialist 3 - SER: $1,948.00 bi-weekly

Work Location: Baton Rouge, La

Louisiana HB 420 requires all prospective DCFS employees to complete and clear multiple background clearances prior to employment with this agency.

How To Apply:

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 message information is located 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.

Contact Information:

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Eulanda.Batiste.DCFS@La.Gov

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3 (Care Connections-Licensing)

Key skills

About this role

Summary

Examples of duties

Qualifications

Supplemental information