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

State of Louisiana; Covington (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Louisiana is seeking a Child Welfare Specialist Trainee to manage foster and adoptive home certifications, conduct home studies, safety assessments, and caregiver evaluations to ensure compliance with certification standards.

Responsibilities include ongoing caregiver support, making certification recommendations, maintaining files and records, and participating in recruitment and community outreach.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in child welfare; OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field; OR
• A bachelor’s degree.
• 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.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

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.
• Provides ongoing support and coordination for foster and adoptive caregivers.
• Makes recommendations regarding approval, denial, or continuation of certification.
• Maintains case files, certification documentation, and tracking systems in compliance with agency policy.
• Participates in recruitment and retention activities, including orientations and trainings, outreach events, and community engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned for the smooth operation of the Department.

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 - Care Connections Licensing

The incumbent in this position performs independent, case-level work requiring specialized knowledge of caregiver assessment, certification standards, and regulatory requirements. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining a caseload of foster and adoptive homes, conducting assessments, certifications, and re-certifications, supporting caregivers, conducting quality assurance, and ensuring compliance with licensing and certification standards.

• 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.
• Provides ongoing support and coordination for foster and adoptive caregivers.
• Makes recommendations regarding approval, denial, or continuation of certification.
• Maintains case files, certification documentation, and tracking systems in compliance with agency policy.
• Participates in recruitment and retention activities, including orientations and trainings, outreach events, and community engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned for the smooth operation of the Department.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: 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: This vacancy may be filled as a Child Welfare Specialist Trainee, 1, 2 or 3 depending on experience.

Compensation:

• 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 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.

Work Location: St. Tammy Parish

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

No Civil Service Test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.