Services Specialist 9-12 (CPS/Foster Care) Barry County - ACTIVELY INTERVIEWING

Print


Services Specialist 9-12 (CPS/Foster Care) Barry County - ACTIVELY INTERVIEWING

Salary

$49,795.20 - $81,931.20 Annually

Location

Hastings, MI

Job Type

Permanent Full Time

Job Number

4308-22-BARRY-HIRE

Department

Health and Human Services - Counties

Opening Date

04/17/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

Bargaining Unit

UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW)

Job Description

The Barry 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 Programs needs your help to better protect children and engage parents and families to make positive, permanent changes in their circumstances and lives. We are looking for individuals ready to serve Barry county If you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply.


Why join the Child Welfare team with Barry County DHHS?
Working for the Barry Department of Health and Human Services is rewarding and challenging.
  • We provide flexibility in work schedules. 
  • We are committed to hiring a diverse workforce to work with clients from all walks of life.
  • We encourage idea sharing/formation through local committees to support continued growth throughout our Allegan and Barry team
  • You will have access to training, resources, and experienced staff to help you meet your professional goals
  • You will have access to promotional opportunities throughout the State of Michigan after getting relevant experience on our team.
We bring HOPE to Barry County!

To be considered, you MUST:
  1. 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.
  2. Attach an up to date resume
  3. Please review the "Is This Job For Me?" video 
  4. USING THE BELOW SITUATION, IN A SEPARATE WORD DOCUMENT TITLED WRITTEN EXERCISE, ANSWER ONE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN NARRATIVE FORM (minimum of 4 sentences):

  • What are the safety concerns in the home and how serious is the situation?
  • How would you engage the mother in dialogue to get her to recognize these safety concerns herself?
  • What active steps would you take, prior to leaving the home, to ensure the safety of these two vulnerable children?
Candidates who do NOT possess a State of Michigan Driver's license are required to attach an official two year driving record from the state in which they currently hold a valid license to their application.  

Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application being screened out.

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

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.
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 Barry county position is located in Hastings, MI at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 430 Barifield Drive, Hastings, MI  49058.  These positions have 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 remotely or work hybrid must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.
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 paid 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.

Who are we looking for?

  • Are you motivated to help end the cycle of abuse and neglect for families in the community?
  • Are you excited to be part of a team with the shared value of building up families in our community?
  • Are you willing to grow from experiences that weren’t as successful as you wanted them to be?
  • Do you enjoy adapting to a changing environment?
  • Does organizing your own schedule and managing your own time interest you?
  • Do you seek constructive feedback from customers, peers, and leaders, reflecting and implementing accordingly?

If so, we are looking for YOU!


Why join the Child Welfare team with Barry County DHHS i?

Working for the Human Services and the Barry Department of Human Services will be rewarding and challenging. 

  • We provide flexibility in work schedules and flexibility.
  • We are committed to hiring a diverse workforce to work with clients from all walks of life.
  • You will have access to training, resources, and experienced staff to help you meet your professional goals
  • We encourage idea sharing/formation through local county committees and dual county committees to support continued growth throughout our Barry team.
  • You will have access to promotional opportunities throughout the State of Michigan after getting relevant experience on our team.

See instructions for attaching files here: Instructions

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 SheridanT@michigan.gov 

If you previously held status in this classification and departed within the last three (3) years, please contact Human Resources regarding your interest in a potential reinstatement. Reinstatement is not guaranteed or required.

#MDHHSjobs #Veteranfriendly #Careerswithpurpose #CommunityHeroes

MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.

Graphical Summary of the benefits information contained in the text below.

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 2021-2023 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 www.mi.gov/employeebenefits
 
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 http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc. 
 
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

01
SOCSSPL - Do you possess one of the following? 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. If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts. OR 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. If so, please attach a copy of your official college transcripts.
  • Yes
  • No
02
If you do not have a bachelor's degree and/or master's degree in any of the above, will you have your degree completed within 30 days of your application? (If not, please reapply when you are within 30 days of completing your degree)
  • Yes
  • No
03
Are you a current MDHHS employee classified as a Services Specialist interested in moving to the same class and level at this location?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Are you currently in a position at DHHS that is represented by the UAW Local 6000? (Services Specialists, FIS, or APW)
  • Yes
  • No
05
Are you interested in a Limited Term position? (Employees hired with a fixed appointment expiration date.)
  • Yes
  • No
06
Do you have any substantiated cases of abuse or neglect, as a perpetrator reported on the Department of Human Services Central Registry?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Have you lived outside the State of Michigan in the previous 5 years? (Selected applicants who have lived outside the State of Michigan within the previous 5 years will need to provide a Central Registry record for the State(s) in which they resided in for the previous 5 years prior to being hired.)
  • Yes
  • No
08
*Please select from the options below: (Please note, actions that have been expunged, formal counseling, and layoff actions need not be reported.) Please select all that apply.
  • I have been dismissed within the last two years
  • I have resigned in lieu of discipline or dismissal within the last two years
  • I have been suspended without pay within the last two years
  • I have received a written reprimand within the last two years
  • I have received an unsatisfactory rating within the last two years
  • I have signed a last chance agreement with MDHHS within the last two years
  • I certify that none of the above circumstances apply to me
09
Do you have an Intentional Program Violation from the Department of Health and Human Services?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Do you have any objection to being finger printed or drug tested?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
  • Yes
  • No
12
Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor?
  • Yes
  • No
13
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, Please document all instances including date and disposition. If "no", please indicate N/A.
14
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No
15
If you answered yes to the previous question, please list the state issued by, license number, expiration date. If no, type N/A. (If you have a driver's license issued outside the State of Michigan, you must attach a 2yr driving history to your application.)
16
Have you completed or are you currently participating in an internship within DHHS?
  • Yes
  • No
17
Select the position you are interested in: (Check all that apply)
  • Child Protective Services
  • Foster Care
18
*** Do you have the ability to work from home, including home internet service? OR Are you willing to purchase home internet service if hired?
  • Yes
  • No
19
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Indeed
  • Career Builder
  • Linkedin
  • College Informational Session
  • MiTalent
  • Career Fair
  • Friends
  • Internet
  • Other
20
****How has your background and experience prepared you to be effective in an environment where we see awareness of and respect for diversity as an important value?
21
Describe your character in a couple of sentences.
22
Power Differential is the inherently greater power and influence that helping professionals have as compared to the people they help. How do you know that you have made vulnerable individuals, such as a child, feel comfortable communicating with you in the past knowing that power differential existed in that relationship?
23
After watching the 'Is this job for me' video, why do you believe you will be a successful Services Specialist? What attributes or skills do you hope to enhance from the experience?
24
Why are you inspired to become a professional working with a vulnerable population of people?
25
I acknowledge that I have attached the following documents to my application to prevent being screened out:
  • Current resume
  • Separate MS Word document narrative response titled "Written Exercise."
  • Official transcripts-either signed by the registrar or showing the university seal. (Electronic are acceptable.)
  • An official two-year driving record (if driver's license is not issued from the State of Michigan)
26
In which county would you accept employment?
  • Allegan
  • Barry
  • Both Allegan and Barry
27
(SSHistory1) Have you ever been found responsible in a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect?
  • Yes
  • No
28
(SSHistory2) If yes, please explain in detail what changes you have made to mitigate your previous actions. If no, enter "N/A."
29
SITUATION DESCRIPTION: You have been assigned to investigate a home and the allegations are a "dirty house", all concerns listed in allegations are environmental concerns. You arrive at the home about 11 AM and see garbage rotting and overflowing in the entryway. You can hear a toddler running around in the home but when you knock it is apparent you woke the mother as it took her several minutes to answer the door and she was rubbing sleep from her eyes. When you enter the home, you notice dog feces on the floor in several spots. The kitchen countertops and table are covered with dirty dishes coated with old food. There are several overflowing ashtrays and what appears to be marijuana "roaches" in them along with the cigarette butts. You see one little girl about 3 years old, dressed in only a soggy diaper and barefoot; an infant is sleeping on the couch wrapped in a fluffy blanket. Even though you woke the mother up she is friendly to you and patient with her young children. What are the safety concerns in the home and how serious is the situation?

Required Question

Agency
State of Michigan
Department
Health and Human Services - Counties
Address
See Posting Above for Contact Informati
Office of Human Resources
Michigan