Child Welfare Specialist III

The Child Welfare Specialist III works collaboratively with the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Children’s Bureau (CB) to support the CB in implementing the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs) federal monitoring strategies including continuous quality improvement progress, program improvement plans, and other tasks related to the reviews. The primary role of Child Welfare Specialist III is to support the CB in enhancing states’ legal and judicial communities’ engagement in all components of the CFSRs. The Child Welfare Specialist III provides support to the CB Central and Regional Offices. For this position, domestic travel is essential and requires a willingness to work long hours during onsite meetings with state agency, courts, Court Improvement Programs, other stakeholders, and federal staff. The Child Welfare Specialist III is expected to participate in both advance planning meetings and discussions on a state-by-state basis and in onsite meetings for CFSR activities including preparation of statewide assessments, onsite case reviews, stakeholder interviews, meetings to discuss CFSRs results, and developing, implementing, and monitoring program improvements plans (PIP).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists the CB in its work with child welfare agencies, state courts, other members of state’s legal and judicial communities, Court Improvement Programs (CIP), CB’s technical assistance providers, and national and state legal/judicial organizations in preparing for and participating in the CFSR
• Supports the integration of state child welfare agency and court activities in the development of CFSR statewide assessments, the onsite reviews, and the development, implementation, and monitoring of CFSR PIP
• Supports CB in the work to align state CIP assessments and strategic plans with Child and Family Services Plans (CFSP)/Annual Progress and Services Reports (APSR) and CFSRs
• Engages legal/judicial representatives in the CFSR and PIP processes through active communication, collaborative meetings, and through data analysis and interpretation that highlight opportunities for legal and judicial practice changes

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Juris Doctorate or MSW with 11 years legal/judicial experience

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience working in a legal/judicial capacity for state public child welfare agency, juvenile or family court for child welfare cases, and/or with court improvement program efforts.

Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge in understanding child welfare and court-related data, the ability to interpret data, apply the data to problem solving and program improvement planning and implementation processes, and the ability to communicate the data to a variety of stakeholders from different backgrounds. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding court and state systems and designing, managing, and/or implementing systemic reform efforts.

Soft Skills: Strong communication and “people skills,” including but not limited to the ability to engage the legal/judicial/child welfare community in collaborative activities, listen attentively, communicate accurately and clearly orally and in writing, have strong team-building skills, and be able to work on a variety of teams and with a variety of people. Strong time management skills and ability to take responsibility and self-manage their work and schedule.

Software Proficiency: Demonstrated competency in Microsoft Office and other common software applications.

Travel: Availability and willingness to travel is essential as is the willingness to work long hours during onsite meetings with states.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit forprolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation.
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.
• Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone.
• Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
• Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.
• Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: 10 years (MSW, 13 years) of relevant child welfare (abuse and neglect) legal/court experience which could include experience with federal court improvement program

Language: Spanish fluency oral

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.