Additional Information
The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services - Agency 25
Location:
Grand Island, NE
Hiring Rate:
$21.836
Job Posting:
JR2026-00027087 Kinship Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee- Grand Island (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
06-17-2026
Job Description:
You have the passion; we have the opportunities - let's make a difference for Nebraskans! The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is looking to hire dedicated and caring individuals for our Child and Family Services Specialist/Trainee Relative/Kinship role.
In this position, you will assess and support relative/kinship foster care providers through the completion of home studies, case management, and ongoing family support using an evidence-based model. This role includes in-home visits, coordination of resources, and requires flexible scheduling, including participation in a rotating on-call schedule.
Check out this video to learn more! https://youtu.be/XPwQ5CIDdhw
Key Responsibilities/Examples of Work:
- Conduct initial assessments and home studies for relative/kinship placements, including emergency approvals.
- Deliver referrals, resources, and support to relative/kinship caregivers and their families.
- Identify and address challenges to placement stability.
- Ensure compliance with approval and licensing standards and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
- Conduct monthly in-person visits with caregivers and youth.
- Support families through phone check-ins, team meetings, court hearings, and transportation assistance.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to meet the needs of children and families.
- Utilize platforms such as Outlook, Word, Excel, WebEx, and NFOCUS (training provided).
- Facilitate training sessions, support groups, and events for kinship families.
- Lead meetings with case team members to plan and coordinate services.
- Fulfill on-call responsibilities as assigned.
Pay rates are $21.836 for training (rate increases to $22.327 and $26.183 after training July 1, 2026)
Requirements/Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or other closely related area. Consideration will be given to applicants who are enrolled in the final semester of their bachelor's degree. Promotion is contingent on successful completion of degree requirements and required training.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in Child and Family Services, case management, or child placing agencies; familiarity with NFOCUS and Microsoft Office suite. One year of relevant experience.
Other: Valid Driver's license is required. Frequent travel required; state vehicle may be provided based on availability. Must be available for evening/weekend hours as needed.
Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Proficient in assessing family needs and delivering targeted support.
- Capable of managing multiple caseloads, preparing reports, and analyzing data for trends.
If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/
Son · Grand Island, NE