Child Welfare Specialist I/II/III

About the role

This position is located in Bartlesville, 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 any barriers that can result in the safety of their children being at 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 the child and family to prevent unnecessary out‑of‑home placements.
• Permanency Planning (PP) – Provides services to families that involve family members in their own treatment plan; arranges placements meeting children’s medical, educational, and physical needs; returns children to their own homes when possible and establishes permanent plans when return 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.
• Attend court hearings and provide testimony.
• Consult 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.
• Provide direct services to children in placement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications for 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.
• Minimum Qualifications for Child Welfare Specialist, Level II: A bachelor's degree (in any field) to qualify; OR one year of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist.
• Minimum Qualifications for 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.

Skills

• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain required car insurance.
• Willingness to travel extensively; state vehicles available for use.

Benefits

• Full State Employee Benefits.

Pay

• 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.

Schedule

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