Services Specialist (CPS/Foster Care Case Manager) - Muskegon County

You must apply using the external link to be considered for this position.

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. (Download PDF reader)

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.
 

Click here to view the Position Description (Download PDF reader) (9-P11), Services Specialist 12 Position Description (Download PDF reader), & here to view the Job Specification (Download PDF reader)

Click here for a short video regarding the Services Specialist position: https://youtu.be/t7q04_uHUbc 

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, interdisciplinary studies in social science, 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, or in a human services-related counseling major.
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, interdisciplinary studies in social science, 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, or in a human services-related counseling major.
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

The office location for this position is at Muskegon County MDHHS, 2700 Baker St., Muskegon Heights, MI  49444  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 work location and schedule at the time of interview.

The Muskegon Department of Health and Human Services is looking for dedicated people who want to make a meaningful difference 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 have what it takes, we encourage you to apply.
 
We bring HOPE to Muskegon County!

Why join us? 
Working for the Muskegon 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. We provide flexibility in work schedules. Muskegon 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 have the following skills:
 

• Organization: To manage caseloads and maintain files and 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 field work 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.

When you apply, your application is valid for 6 months.  After 6 months, you MUST reapply for continued consideration.

For further information regarding this posting please contact MDHHS-BSC3-HR-Staffing@michigan.gov