Child Protection Specialist (Region 2 - North Central)

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is seeking a Child Protection Specialist to enhance the well-being of Montana families. The role involves investigating child abuse, providing support, and connecting families to vital resources. The position requires frequent travel, in-home visits, and interviews, and may involve out-of-state travel. The job involves working with complex and sometimes hostile situations, requiring empathy, resiliency, and a deep understanding of social systems.

Requirements

• Conducts timely assessments of reports of child maltreatment, in accordance with requirements of state and federal statutes and agency policy, 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 that the placement is safe and complies with statutory and policy preferences and is in the best interests of the child(ren).
• Identifies available resources and connects families and children to these resources.
• Assures child(ren) is evaluated and assessed to determine medical and psychological needs throughout the case.
• Prepares assessments, designs case plans, evaluates the progress of participants, and makes and monitors appropriate placements.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Work-life balance
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program