Services Specialist

Full job description Salary $49,795.20 - $81,931.20 Annually
Location Hart, MI
Job Type Permanent Full Time
Job Number SS - OCEANA
Department Health and Human Services - Counties
Opening Date 05/16/2024
Closing Date Continuous
Bargaining Unit UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW)

Job Description


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.



To be considered, you MUST: 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. Attach a written response to the "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 any of the above items may result in your application being screened out.

Required Education and Experience Education
Possession of a bachelor's or master's degree with a major in one 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.


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 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. If yes, please attach ALL copies of your official college transcripts.



Experience
Services Specialist 9
No specific type or amount is required.


Services Specialist 10
One year of professional experience providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist 9.


Services Specialist P11
Two 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 12
Three years of professional experience providing social casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist, including one year equivalent to a Services Specialist P11.
Additional Requirements and Information When you apply, your application is valid for 6 months. After 6 months, you MUST reapply for continued consideration.


The office location for this position is at Oceana County DHHS, 4081 West Polk Rd, Hart MI, 49420, however, this position has the ability to work hybrid (combination of remote and office). The hybrid work environment offers a flexible working arrangement where an employee works some of their time remotely and some of their time at the office location listed. Selected candidates who have been approved to work hybrid must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm the work location and schedule at the time of the interview.

The Oceana Department of Health and Human Services is looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Michigan's most vulnerable children and families. Our Child Welfare Program needs your help to better protect children and engage parents and families to make positive, permanent changes in their circumstances and lives. If you are passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply!



We bring HOPE to Oceana County!


Why join us?
Working for the Oceana Department of Health and Human Services is rewarding and challenging. Whether you are on the frontline or supporting those who work directly with children, youth, and families, you will play a part in helping to strengthen families. We offer a team environment and career development in a close-knit community. Working with Oceanna County DHHS you will receive support and mentoring. We strive to help individuals develop professionally and gain personal fulfillment with a value of maintaining work/life balance. We provide flexibility in work schedules. Oceana DHHS is committed to hiring a diverse workforce to work with clients from all walks of life.


Job Duties
A career in child welfare requires a diverse range of knowledge, qualities, and skills. Individuals aspiring to pursue this career path should possess the following skills: Organization: To manage caseloads and maintain files and electronic case records. Time management: To set appointments to interview people and conduct timely follow-ups with clients. Compassion: To demonstrate empathy, get a deep understanding of how their situations impact clients and forge trust-based relationships. Critical thinking: To assess clients' situations and develop programs and services that meet their needs. Communication: To listen effectively and speak with people of various ages and from different backgrounds, from children and parents to medical professionals and lawyers. Ability to work independently: To stay on top of paperwork and casework for assigned cases. Resilience: To effectively handle emotionally challenging situations and high levels of stress. Decision-making: To respond to crises in a timely fashion and determine whether children should be separated from their families and placed into a foster home. As a Condition of Employment – this position requires a valid driver's license and successful completion of a background investigation including fingerprinting and a criminal records check.


Upon hire, the successful candidate will be required to complete a nine week pre-service training program that includes a total of 270 hours of competency-based classroom and field training. Additionally, the employee must successfully complete a minimum number of hours of in-service training on an annual basis.


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.



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.


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 application questions, and responses to interview questions or exercises.


For further information regarding this posting please contact Trish Sheridan at


Follow us on LinkedIn

#MDHHSjobs #Veteranfriendly #Careerswithpurpose #CommunityHeroes
MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer. 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 ******** 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.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: 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.



Insurance Benefits: 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



Retirement Programs: 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



Vacation and Sick Leave: 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.



Paid Parental Leave: 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.



Paid Holidays: 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.



Bonus Programs: 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.



Military Pay Differential: 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.



Tax-Advantaged Programs: 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.



Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.



Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.



Professional Development: 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.



Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: 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.



Great Lakes and Great Times: 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