Child Protection Advocate — Partial Telework

State of Montana; East Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) seeks a Child Protection Specialist to protect Montanans by investigating abuse, providing support, and linking families to resources. The role involves direct family engagement, complex cases, and coordination with law enforcement and agencies.

You will assess maltreatment reports, manage caseloads, and attend court proceedings, with occasional travel and a rotating on-call schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related discipline.
• Two years of social services work experience with children and families in difficult or volatile situations.

Responsibilities

• Conducts timely assessments of reports of child maltreatment using standardized safety assessment tools and decision-making guides.
• Carries a caseload and keeps all case file documentation current.
• Works collaboratively with law enforcement, other welfare professionals, and agencies.
• Prepares for and testifies in court, preliminary hearings, multi-disciplinary team meetings, family partnership meetings, and court hearings.
• Places child(ren) in out-of-home care when necessary and ensures placement is safe and compliant with policies.
• Assures child(ren) is evaluated and assessed to determine medical and psychological needs.
• Prepares assessments, designs case plans, evaluates progress, and monitors placements.
• Willingness to travel and conduct in-home visits; may include out-of-state travel; may require travel documents.
• Evening, weekend, or holiday work occasionally and rotating on-call schedule.

Skills

Stress Tolerance

Self-Management

Decision Making

Advocacy

Teamwork

Critical Decision Making

Engaging Families

Calm Under Pressure

Computer Literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related degree

Job description

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) seeks a Child Protection Specialist to protect Montanans by investigating abuse, providing support, and linking families to resources. The role involves direct family engagement, complex cases, and coordination with law enforcement and agencies.

You will assess maltreatment reports, manage caseloads, and attend court proceedings, with occasional travel and a rotating on-call schedule.