Jackson County CPS & Foster Care Services Specialist 9-12

State of Michigan; Jackson (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Michigan is seeking a Services Specialist to apply child welfare practices to protect children from abuse and neglect. The role focuses on working with families and the legal system to achieve reunification or permanent living arrangements.

Located in Jackson County, the position is with the Department of Health and Human Services. Candidates must meet the extensive education requirements and provide official transcripts and supplemental documents as part of the application process.

Qualifications

• Minimum education as listed: bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the human services areas or a bachelor’s with the specified credits in related fields.
• Experience levels correspond to Services Specialist 9–12 with progressive requirements described in the posting.
• Roles involve casework, child welfare, and interaction with families and legal processes.

Responsibilities

• Utilize child welfare practice skills to protect children from abuse and neglect.
• Collaborate with families and the legal system toward reunification or permanent living arrangements.
• Work at the Jackson County location with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Education

Social Work

Sociology

Psychology

Criminal Justice

Forensic Psychology

Education

Law Enforcement

Behavioral Science

Gerontology

Family Studies

Human Services

Family Ecology

Family /or Child Development

Education of the Gifted

Community Development

Education of the Emotionally Disturbed

Human Services-related Counseling major

Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Services

Community Services

Special Education

Counseling Psychology

Job description

Posting number: SS - Jackson - 2025

Department: Health and Human Services - Counties

Job classification: Services Specialist 9-P11

Posting type: Open

Categories: Professional, Human Services

Summary

The Services Specialist will utilize child welfare practice skills to ensure children are protected from abuse and neglect. When child abuse or neglect is indicated, specialists work closely with families and the legal system toward a goal of reunification, independent living, or other permanent living situation.

This position is located in Jackson County at the Department of Health and Human Services. 301 E. Louis Glick Hwy. Jackson, MI 49201.

Review the position description at: Position Description (9-P11), Services Specialist 12 Position Description

Review the job specification at: Job Specification

Required Documents

Official Transcripts must have the following:

• University Seal/Watermark
• Signed by the Registrar
• Electronic upload is accepted
• Show degree received/conferred date or include a letter from the Registrar stating that you are in your final coursework

A resume is required A cover letter is required Written Response to Is This Job for Me? video answering the following questions:

• If selected for this position, what do you believe your biggest challenge will be?
• How do you see yourself overcoming this challenge?

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

Important Information

• 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 the application questions, and responses to interview questions or exercises.
• This posting is being used to recruit for both permanent and limited term appointments. A limited term assignment has the potential of becoming permanent, but this is not guaranteed.
• Applications are valid for 6 months. After 6 months, you MUST reapply for continued consideration.
• The department reserves the right to close this posting at any time if it is determined that a sufficient number of applications have been received.
• Upon hire, the successful candidate will be required to complete a twelve-week pre-service training program that includes competency-based classroom and on the job training. Additionally, the employee must successfully complete a minimum number of hours of in-service training on an annual basis.

Minimum Education

Possession of a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the following human services areas 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:

• Social Work
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Criminal Justice
• Forensic Psychology
• Education
• Law Enforcement
• Behavioral Science
• Gerontology
• Family Studies
• Human Services
• Family Ecology
• Family &/or Child Development
• Education of the Gifted
• Community Development
• Education of the Emotionally Disturbed
• Human Services-related Counseling major
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Services
• Community Services
• Special Education
• Counseling Psychology

Minimum Experience

• Services Specialist 9 No specific type or amount is required.
• Services Specialist 10One year of professional experience providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist 9.
• Services Specialist P11Two 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 12Three 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 P11.

Supplemental Information

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.

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