Child and Family Services Specialist (CFSS)- York/Seward

State of Nebraska; Nebraska; On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Holidays

Retirement plan

Team culture

Career advancement

Job summary

The State of Nebraska's DHHS is seeking compassionate Child and Family Services Specialists to support families involved with the child welfare system. You will conduct safety assessments, provide trauma-informed case management, and advocate for children's well‑being and permanency.

You will travel to homes, participate in multidisciplinary teams, and may testify in court. The role starts at $22.327/hour with increases after training and offers benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Experience in child welfare or family services.
• Willingness to travel to homes and community meetings.
• Ability to provide court testimony when necessary.
• Strong communication and collaboration with partners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a case manager for families referred to DHHS.
• Conduct home visits and comprehensive safety assessments in diverse community settings.
• Advocate for the well‑being of children and families while respecting cultural and individual diversity.
• Apply family‑centered practices and actively involve families in decision‑making.
• Collaborate with the legal system and other partners to support case permanency goals.
• Utilize Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools to inform safety planning and case decisions.
• Write timely, accurate, and professional documentation for internal and legal use.
• Connect families to formal services and informal supports based on assessed needs.
• Promote normalcy and permanency for children in care.
• Apply trauma‑informed and least‑restrictive approaches to strengthen family functioning and resilience.

Skills

Case management

Trauma-informed

Advocacy

Collaboration

Job description

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25 Location: Seward, NE, York, NE Hiring Rate: $22.327 Job Posting: JR2026-00028747 Child and Family Services Specialist (CFSS)- York/Seward (Evergreen) (Open).

Job Description:

You have the passion; we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans! The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking compassionate and committed individuals to join our team as Child and Family Services Specialists (CFSS). These professionals provide essential support to children and families through trauma-informed case management and advocacy. This work has traditionally been known as Child Protective Services. This vital role directly supports our mission of Helping People Live Better Lives.

About the Role

This role can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. As a CFSS, you will support families involved with the child welfare system, primarily due to concerns of abuse and/or neglect. You will assess safety, work collaboratively with families and community partners, and promote permanency and well-being for children. You will frequently travel to and meet with families in their homes, attend community meetings, participate in multidisciplinary team discussions, and be involved in legal proceedings, including providing court testimony when necessary.

Salary

Starting July 1, 2026 Trainee starts at $22.327 with an increase to $26.183 after successful completion of training.

Check out this video to learn more! https://youtu.be/XPwQ5CIDdhw

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a case manager for families referred to DHHS.
• Conduct home visits and comprehensive safety assessments in diverse community settings.
• Advocate for the well‑being of children and families while respecting cultural and individual diversity.
• Apply family‑centered practices and actively involve families in decision‑making.
• Collaborate with the legal system and other partners to support case permanency goals.
• Utilize Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools to inform safety planning and case decisions.
• Write timely, accurate, and professional documentation for internal and legal use.
• Connect families to formal services and informal supports based on assessed needs.
• Promote normalcy and permanency for children in care.
• Apply trauma‑informed and least‑restrictive approaches to strengthen family functioning and resilience.

Work Schedule & Flexibility

The training schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this period, occasional after‑hours field experiences and case‑related responsibilities may be required. Following the completion of training, flexible work hours are available. Evening hours may be necessary to accommodate the needs of assigned families. This position also requires participation in an on‑call rotation, which includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

Work Environment & Expectations

As a CFSS, you will sometimes enter homes that are in poor or unsanitary conditions and may encounter emotionally difficult situations. Worker safety is a top priority, and training and protocols are in place to prepare and support staff in the field. You must be able to engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability. In some situations, you may be required to care for children temporarily while coordinating their transition to safe and appropriate placements. While the work can be demanding, you will always have support. Ongoing supervision, training, peer support, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal partners help ensure both staff safety and effective outcomes for families. Even when you are in the field on your own, assistance is just a phone call away.

Why Join Us?

Working at DHHS offers more than a paycheck—it provides purpose.

Benefits

• Vacation and sick leave begin accruing immediately upon hire.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Agency‑backed retirement plan with employer match.
• Supportive leadership and team culture.
• Numerous opportunities for internal advancement and promotion.

Benefits Overview

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans.

Employer Brand

State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!