Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III

About the role

This position is located in Duncan, Waurika or Walters, Oklahoma. 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. Extensive training will be provided to new employees.

Responsibilities

• Child Protective Services (CPS): Investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect; protects the safety of children and provides services to help families with barriers that can result in child safety risk.
• Family Centered Services (FCS): Preserves and strengthens protective capacities of parents to keep the child in their own home, focusing on increasing safety for child and family to prevent unnecessary out‑of‑home placements.
• Permanency Planning (PP): Provides services to families that involve family members in treatment planning; arranges placements meeting children’s medical, educational, and physical needs; returns children home when possible and arranges permanent plans when return is not possible.
• All new employees complete the Child Welfare Core Academy Training Program, which includes learning treatment and preventive services; visiting children in placement and conducting assessments; referring families to community services; participating in investigations and preparing case reports; attending court hearings and providing testimony; consulting with the District Attorney, attorneys, and tribal partners; providing direct services to children in placement; and performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Child Welfare Specialist, Level I: 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.
• Child Welfare Specialist, Level II: A bachelor's degree (in any field); OR one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.
• Child Welfare Specialist, Level III: A Master's degree; OR a Bachelor's degree plus one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist; OR two years of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary levels:
  • Level I H23A: $37,280.75 per year + Full State Employee Benefits
  • Level II H23B: $40,077.79 per year + Full State Employee Benefits
  • Level III H23C: $43,968.62 per year + Full State Employee Benefits
• Applicants with a Master's Degree in Social Work receive an additional 5% salary incentive.
• On‑call positions receive an additional bonus of $100–$150 every two weeks, depending on responsibilities.
• Full State Employee Benefits are included.

Schedule

Hours worked may include on‑call, extended and/or weekend hours.

Travel Requirements

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.