Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3 (Care Connections-Licensing)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Children and Family Services in Baton Rouge, LA is seeking a Child Welfare Specialist Trainee. The role involves advanced professional duties within the DCFS Child Welfare Division, performing foster and adoptive caregiver certification and re-certification under supervision.

Related experience or a degree is required, with flexible career progression. Typical schedule is 8:00 am–4:30 pm, Monday–Friday; SER compensation is provided at several trainee levels.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in child welfare, OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field, OR
• A bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a caseload of foster and adoptive homes and performs certification and re-certification activities.
• Conducts comprehensive home studies, safety assessments, and caregiver evaluations to determine compliance with certification standards.
• Develops and monitors corrective action plans to address deficiencies and ensure compliance.
• Maintains complete and accurate case records (electronic and paper) in accordance with policy, licensing regulations, and legal requirements.
• Makes recommendations regarding approval, denial, or continuation of certification.
• Maintains required contacts with foster/adoptive families, including home visits and support interactions.
• Coordinates with community resources, service providers, and stakeholders to support caregivers and children placed in the home.

Skills

Child Welfare Experience

General Work Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Department MISSION

To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong.

Department VISION

A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities

Department VALUES

Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity.

At The Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

Join Our Team at DCFS: Child Welfare Specialist Trainee 1-3- (CW-SO-Care Licensing)

This position serves as an advanced-level professional Child Welfare Specialist within the DCFS Child Welfare Division, responsible for performing foster and adoptive caregiver certification and re-certification activities under the supervision of a Child Welfare Supervisor.

If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you!

• Three years of experience in child welfare; OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field; OR
• A bachelor’s degree.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:

Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• A current driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.

NOTE:

The incumbent of this position must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in R.S. 15.587.1 (c).

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Maintains a caseload of foster and adoptive homes and performs certification and re-certification activities.
• Conducts comprehensive home studies, safety assessments, and caregiver evaluations to determine compliance with certification standards.
• Develops and monitors corrective action plans to address deficiencies and ensure compliance.
• Maintains complete and accurate case records (electronic and paper) in accordance with policy, licensing regulations, and legal requirements.
• Makes recommendations regarding approval, denial, or continuation of certification.
• Maintains required contacts with foster/adoptive families, including home visits and support interactions.
• Coordinates with community resources, service providers, and stakeholders to support caregivers and children placed in the home.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type

Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment. This position may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

Career Progression

Child Welfare Specialist Trainee/1/2/3 (based on experience).

Work Schedule

Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts.

Compensation

The referenced positions have a Special Entrance Rate (SER) see below.

• Child Welfare Specialist Trainee - SER: $1,649.60bi-weekly
• Child Welfare Specialist 1 - SER: $1,764.80bi-weekly
• Child Welfare Specialist 2 - SER: $1,820.80 bi-weekly
• Child Welfare Specialist 3 - SER: $1,948.00 bi-weekly

Work Location: Baton Rouge, La

Louisiana HB 420 requires all prospective DCFS employees to complete and clear multiple background clearances prior to employment with this agency.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.