Montana
Child Protection Specialist (Region 1 - Eastern)
Montana, Miles City, Montana, United States, 59301
Overview
To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Child and Family Services Division. Position
As a Child Protection Specialist, you will play a critical role in enhancing the well-being of Montana families. You will engage directly with families facing a wide range of challenges, investigating child abuse, providing support, advocacy, and connection to vital resources. This role is both rewarding and demanding. You will navigate complex, sometimes hostile, situations that require empathy, resiliency, and a deep understanding of social systems. While the path is not always easy, the difference you make is invaluable in Keeping Children Safe and Families Strong. Essential Functions:
This is intended to describe the position but does not cover every function or task that may be required.
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.
This role requires frequent travel and conducting in home visits and interviews, and may include out-of-state travel, which will require the willingness to have appropriate travel documents.
While you have a standard schedule, there will be times when critical business needs will require work during evenings, weekends, or holidays. Please note that as part of your job responsibilities, you will be assigned a rotating on-call schedule.
Why Join DPHHS
Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents. The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities. Minimum Qualifications for this Career Opportunity
• Required bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related degree. • Two years of social services work experience, or directly related work experience, working with children and families in difficult and sometimes volatile situations. • Preferred: o Experience working with tribal government entities and/or other organizations of native peoples. o Knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family centered social work practice. Candidates that will be successful on Day One
Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; demonstrates initiative and commitment; works with minimal supervision.
Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed decisions; recognizes impact and implications; acts to accomplish organizational goals.
Advocacy: Develops and presents the client’s interests in all matters.
Teamwork: Encourages cooperation, trust, and commitment to goals.
Ability to make critical decisions based on information from multiple sources in high-stress situations.
Ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances to gather information for accurate decisions.
Ability to remain calm when confronted and maintain constructive working relationships, even with differing viewpoints.
Ability to operate a personal computer and office equipment to complete essential functions, including spreadsheets, word processing, databases, email, and internet tools.
How to Apply
To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, check the "relevant document" box to ensure attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position. Cover Letter: Explain why you are passionate about this line of work and why you are interested in this position.
Resume
Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.
Additional Information
This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy. This position supports the Child and Family Services Division Region 1 which includes Forsyth, Glasgow, Glendive, Hardin, Miles City, Sidney, and Wolf Point. Work locations will vary depending on availability and community needs. This position will not be located in Billings; however Hardin is in close proximity to Billings and there is an established carpool from the Billings office to the Hardin Office. This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants. This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase July 1, 2026.
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To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Child and Family Services Division. Position
As a Child Protection Specialist, you will play a critical role in enhancing the well-being of Montana families. You will engage directly with families facing a wide range of challenges, investigating child abuse, providing support, advocacy, and connection to vital resources. This role is both rewarding and demanding. You will navigate complex, sometimes hostile, situations that require empathy, resiliency, and a deep understanding of social systems. While the path is not always easy, the difference you make is invaluable in Keeping Children Safe and Families Strong. Essential Functions:
This is intended to describe the position but does not cover every function or task that may be required.
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.
This role requires frequent travel and conducting in home visits and interviews, and may include out-of-state travel, which will require the willingness to have appropriate travel documents.
While you have a standard schedule, there will be times when critical business needs will require work during evenings, weekends, or holidays. Please note that as part of your job responsibilities, you will be assigned a rotating on-call schedule.
Why Join DPHHS
Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents. The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities. Minimum Qualifications for this Career Opportunity
• Required bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related degree. • Two years of social services work experience, or directly related work experience, working with children and families in difficult and sometimes volatile situations. • Preferred: o Experience working with tribal government entities and/or other organizations of native peoples. o Knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family centered social work practice. Candidates that will be successful on Day One
Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; demonstrates initiative and commitment; works with minimal supervision.
Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed decisions; recognizes impact and implications; acts to accomplish organizational goals.
Advocacy: Develops and presents the client’s interests in all matters.
Teamwork: Encourages cooperation, trust, and commitment to goals.
Ability to make critical decisions based on information from multiple sources in high-stress situations.
Ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances to gather information for accurate decisions.
Ability to remain calm when confronted and maintain constructive working relationships, even with differing viewpoints.
Ability to operate a personal computer and office equipment to complete essential functions, including spreadsheets, word processing, databases, email, and internet tools.
How to Apply
To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, check the "relevant document" box to ensure attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position. Cover Letter: Explain why you are passionate about this line of work and why you are interested in this position.
Resume
Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.
Additional Information
This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy. This position supports the Child and Family Services Division Region 1 which includes Forsyth, Glasgow, Glendive, Hardin, Miles City, Sidney, and Wolf Point. Work locations will vary depending on availability and community needs. This position will not be located in Billings; however Hardin is in close proximity to Billings and there is an established carpool from the Billings office to the Hardin Office. This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants. This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase July 1, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr