Child Welfare Case Specialist

Role Overview

The Child Welfare Case Specialist exists to ensure that every unaccompanied child in this program is seen, heard, and safe. Working as the social services anchor of a two-person field team, the Child Welfare Case Specialist leads child welfare assessment during in-person home visits, engages families and children with cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care, identifies indicators of abuse, neglect, or trafficking, and ensures the wellbeing of the child is at the center of every interaction. This role is ideal for professionals with a background in social work, child welfare, or case management who want their skills to serve a federal child safety mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct child welfare and safety assessments during field visits alongside the Case Manager
• Engage with children, sponsors, and family members using trauma-informed, culturally sensitive practices
• Ensure all interactions are conducted in the family's primary language - through bilingual capability or professional interpreters
• Document case observations and outcomes accurately; submit reports within required timeframes
• Identify and escalate safety concerns, signs of abuse, trafficking indicators, or welfare risks immediately
• Adhere strictly to program Standards of Conduct - no gifts, no personal contact, no legal advice to participants
• Report any adverse information, conduct violations, or safety concerns to supervisors within 24 hours

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field - or equivalent field experience
• 2+ years of experience in social work, case management, child welfare, or a related helping profession
• Experience working with children, families, or vulnerable populations in a field or community setting
• Strong written documentation and report-writing skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within assigned region

Prior to Employment

• Mandatory requirements:
• U.S. Citizen - no exceptions
• Resided in the United States for at least 3 of the last 5 years
• Pass a federal government background investigation (suitability determination) before beginning work
• Complete all required government training modules before starting field work
• Sign program Standards of Conduct and Non-Disclosure Agreement
• Be able to work field-based, nationwide assignments

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish/English or other language pairs) strongly preferred - all interactions must be in the family's language
• MSW or equivalent graduate-level credential in social work or human services
• Experience with DHS, HHS, child protective services, refugee resettlement, or immigration-related programs
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care frameworks and adverse childhood experience (ACE) indicators
• Current or transferable federal background investigation - significantly accelerates onboarding

Citizenship & Clearance

Citizenship: U.S. Citizens
Clearance: Federal Background Investigation Required