Services Specialist 9-12 (Cps/Foster Care) Allegan County - Actively Interviewing

The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.

The Allegan Department of Health and Human Services is looking for dedicated people who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Michigan's most vulnerable children and families. Our Child Welfare Program needs your help to better protect children and engage parents and families to make positive, permanent changes in their circumstances and lives. If you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply.

Why join the Child Welfare team with Allegan County DHHS?

Working for the Allegan Department of Health and Human Services is rewarding and challenging.

• We provide flexibility in work schedules.

• We are committed to hiring a diverse workforce to work with clients from all walks of life.

• We encourage idea sharing/formation through local committees to support continued growth throughout our Allegan team

• You will have access to training, resources, and experienced staff to help you meet your professional goals

• You will have access to promotional opportunities throughout the State of Michigan after getting relevant experience on our team.

We bring HOPE to Allegan County!

To be considered, you MUST:

• Attach a copy of your official transcripts showing you meet the below educational requirements. These must be signed by the registrar or show the university seal. We do accept electronic official transcripts.

• Attach an up to date resume

• Please review the "Is This Job For Me?" video

• USING THE BELOW SITUATION, IN A SEPARATE WORD DOCUMENT TITLED WRITTEN EXERCISE, ANSWER ONE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN NARRATIVE FORM (minimum of 4 sentences):

• What are the safety concerns in the home and how serious is the situation?

• How would you engage the mother in dialogue to get her to recognize these safety concerns herself?

• What active steps would you take, prior to leaving the home, to ensure the safety of these two vulnerable children?

Candidates who do NOT possess a State of Michigan Driver's license are required to attach an official two year driving record from the state in which they currently hold a valid license to their application.

Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application being screened out.

Click here to view the Position Description (9-P11), Services Specialist 12 Position Description, & here to view the Job SpecificationEducation

Possession of a bachelor's or master's degree with a major in one of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, a human services-related counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science.

OR

Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major with at least 30 semester (45 term) credits in one or a combination of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, a human services-related counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science.

Experience

Services Specialist 9

No specific type or amount is required.

Services Specialist 10

One year of professional experience providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist 9.

Services Specialist P11

Two years of professional experience providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist, including one year equivalent to a Services Specialist 10.

Services Specialist 12

Three years of professional experience providing social casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist, including one year equivalent to a Services Specialist P11.

When you apply, your application is valid for 6 months.  After 6 months, you MUST reapply for continued consideration.

The office location for this position is Allegan, MI at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 3255 122nd Avenue, Allegan, MI  49010.   This position has the ability to work hybrid (combination of remote and office). The hybrid work environment offers a flexible working arrangement where an employee works some of their time remotely and some of their time at the office location listed.  Selected candidates who have been approved to work remotely or work hybrid must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.

As a Condition of Employment - this position requires a valid driver's license and successful completion of a background investigation including fingerprinting and a criminal records check.

Upon hire, the successful candidate will be required to complete a paid nine week pre-service training program that includes a total of 270 hours of competency-based classroom and field training. Additionally, the employee must successfully complete a minimum number of hours of in-service training on an annual basis.

Who are we looking for?

• Are you motivated to help end the cycle of abuse and neglect for families in the community?
• Are you excited to be part of a team with the shared value of building up families in our community?
• Are you willing to grow from experiences that weren't as successful as you wanted them to be?
• Do you enjoy adapting to a changing environment?
• Does organizing your own schedule and managing your own time interest you?
• Do you seek constructive feedback from customers, peers, and leaders, reflecting and implementing accordingly?

If so, we are looking for YOU!

As a Foster Care Worker or Child Protective Services Worker, you will:

• Become a professional valued in the community by local school systems, family court, mental health programs, and other community programs.

• Create lasting change for children and families at-risk of abuse and neglect.

• Learn how to assess safety of children and communicate your assessment with confidence in professional reports.

See instructions for attaching files here: Instructions

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process; including, but not limited to, responses to application questions, and responses to interview questions or exercises.

For further information regarding this posting please contact Trish Sheridan at SheridanT@michigan.gov

If you previously held status in this classification and departed within the last three (3) years, please contact Human Resources regarding your interest in a potential reinstatement. Reinstatement is not guaranteed or required.

#MDHHSjobs #Veteranfriendly #Careerswithpurpose #CommunityHeroes

MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.