Services Specialist Assistant (Montcalm/Ionia County)
State of Michigan
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Job summary
State of Michigan's MDHHS is seeking candidates for Services Specialist Assistant roles to support case planning and permanency initiatives across Montcalm and Ionia counties. Responsibilities include accompanying the Services Specialist on visits, transporting family members, and assisting with home studies and interviews.
The postings emphasize educational requirements, transcripts, and documentation submission, with flexible work arrangements based on operational needs within Michigan.
Qualifications
- Two years of college (60 semester or 90 term credits) with at least 15 credits in human services areas such as social work, sociology, psychology, education, criminal justice, family development, or related fields.
- No specific type or amount of experience is required for Services Specialist Assistant 8.
- One year of experience equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 8 for Services Specialist Assistant 9.
- Two years of experience equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 8 or one year equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 9 for Services Specialist Assistant E10.
Responsibilities
- Accompany Services Specialist on visits with youth and family members.
- Transport family members to facilitate family involvement.
- Report observations made during visits and propose recommendations as needed.
- Participate in Team Decision Meetings as needed.
- Participate in pre-placement conferences with Services Specialist.
- Assist in interviewing and engaging with relatives and prospective adoptive parents.
- Assist in the home study.
- Supervise visits and report incidents or observations to the Services Specialist.
Education
Job description
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.
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.
This position performs a variety of activities to support the implementation of case plan implementation and permanency planning for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who receive services in the areas of child welfare including child protective services, prevention, foster care, licensing, and adoption.
- Attach a copy of your official transcripts showing you meet the below educational requirements. These must be signed by the registrar or show the university seal. We do accept electronic official transcripts.
- Attach an up to date resume.
- Attach a cover letter.
- For candidates who do NOT possess a State of Michigan Driver's license but have a license from another state, please provide an official two year driving record from the state in which you currently hold a valid license.
Completion of two years of college (60 semester or 90 term credits) with a minimum of 15 semester (23 term) credits in one or a combination of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, a human services-related counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science.
Services Specialist Assistant 8
No specific type or amount is required.
Services Specialist Assistant 9
One year of experience equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 8.
Services Specialist Assistant E10
Two years of experience equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 8 or one year equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 9.
This posting recruits for both Montcalm and Ionia County. The County Offices are located at Ionia County MDHHS, 920 East Lincoln Ave Ionia, MI 48846 and Montcalm County MDHHS: 609 N State Street Stanton, MI 48888. Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate or hybrid work schedule requests for this position may be considered. Selected candidates who have been approved to work remotely or a hybrid schedule must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview. This position is only open to all qualifying candidates.
- Accompany Services Specialist on visits with youth and family members.
- Transport family members to facilitate family involvement.
- Report observations made during visits to the Services Specialist and propose recommendations as needed.
- Participate in Team Decision Meetings, as needed.
- Participate in pre-placement conferences with Services specialist
- Assist the Services Specialist in interviewing and engaging with relatives and prospective adoptive parents.
- Assist the Services Specialist in the home study.
- Supervise parent-youth, sibling, relative and/or potential adoptive relative’s visitations. Observe interactions, intercede when required, and report any incidents/observations to the Services Specialist
#MDHHSjobs #Veteranfriendly #Careerswithpurpose #CommunityHeroes
MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
SRVSPLA - Do you possess one of the following? At least two years of college (60 semester or 90 term credits) with a minimum of 15 semester (23 term) credits in one or a combination of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, a human services-related Counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science?
- Yes
- No
From the options below, which accurately describes your current status? (A current state employee works for an actual state department such as the Department of Corrections, the Department of Transportation, etc.)
- A current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) employee
- A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) employee in layoff status
- A current State of Michigan (non-MDHHS) employee
- A State of Michigan (non-MDHHS) employee in layoff status
- None of the above
Are you currently an Ionia or Montcalm County MDHHS employee?
- Yes
- No
Describe a time when you needed to work cooperatively with someone that did not share the same ideas as you.
- Do you have any objection to being finger printed or drug tested?
- Yes
- No
- Please select from the options below: (Please note, actions that have been expunged, formal counseling, and layoff actions need not be reported.) Please select all that apply.
- I have been dismissed within the last two years
- I have resigned in lieu of discipline or dismissal within the last two years
- I have been issued a disciplinary suspension in the last two years.
- I am currently suspended with or without pay pending the outcome of an investigation
- I have received a written reprimand within the last two years
- I have received an unsatisfactory rating within the last two years
- I have signed a last chance agreement with MDHHS within the last two years
- I certify that none of the above circumstances apply to me
If you selected that you have been dismissed within the last two years, resigned in lieu of dismissal within the last two years, were issued a disciplinary suspension within the last two years, are currently suspended with or without pay pending the outcome of an investigation, received a written reprimand within the last two years, received an unsatisfactory rating within the last two years, or signed a last chance agreement with MDHHS within the last two years, please provide an explanation below. If none of the above apply to you, please enter 'N/A'.
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
If you answered yes to the previous question, please list the state issued by, license number, expiration date. If no, type N/A. (If you have a driver's license issued outside the State of Michigan, you must attach a 2yr driving history to your application.)
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
- Yes
- No
- Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor?
- Yes
- No
Have you lived outside the State of Michigan in the previous 5 years? (Selected applicants who have lived outside the State of Michigan within the previous 5 years will need to provide a Central Registry record for the State(s) in which they resided in for the previous 5 years prior to being hired.)
- Yes
- No
- Do you have any substantiated cases of abuse or neglect reported on the Department of Human Services Central Registry?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have an Intentional Program Violation from the Department of Health and Human Services?
- Yes
- No
Have you ever been found responsible in a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect?
- Yes
- No
If yes, please explain in detail what changes you have made to mitigate your previous actions. If no, enter "N/A".
If offered a limited term (temporary) position, will you accept?
- Yes
- No
This position will be providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Do you have an interest in this type of work?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have an interest in working directly and independently with families involved with CPS (Child Protective Services)?
- Yes
- No
Are you willing to travel to families' homes, agencies in the community, and transport individuals to various locations throughout the State of Michigan?
- Yes
- No
Do you have the ability to work from home, including home internet service? OR Are you willing to purchase home internet service if hired?
- Yes
- No
I acknowledge that I have provided the following documents.
- I have attached a copy of an official college/university transcript to your application? (Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.)
- I have attached a cover letter and a copy of your résumé to your application? (Failure to do so may result in your application being screened out.)
This posting is being used to recruit for both Montcalm and Ionia County. Please indicate which County or Counties you will accept employment in.
- Montcalm
- Ionia
- Required Question
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