Child Welfare Specialist Trainee/1/2/3 (Baton Rouge Region - Home Development)

Child Welfare Specialist Trainee/1/2/3 (Baton Rouge Region - Home Development)  Salary $3,574.13 - $5,472.00 Monthly Location Baton Rouge, LA Job Type Classified Job Number 220120-BR/CWS/HD-042026BG Department DCFS-Department of Children and Family Services Opening Date 04/23/2026 Closing Date 4/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS QUESTIONS About this Job Department

MISSION DCFS

is working to keep children safe, helping individuals and families become self-sufficient, and providing safe refuge during disasters. Department VISION We care for the well-being and safety of Louisiana's people. Department VALUES Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity. At The Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity. We're looking for a Child Welfare Specialist Trainee, 1, 2 or 3 to join our Child Welfare team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Child Welfare program works toward the safety and healthy development of children that offers a broad range of services, delivers these services in a sensitive manner and provides efficient, sophisticated, supportive and committed staff that supports this service. If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you! Minimum Qualifications Three years of experience in child welfare; OR Six years of full-time work experience in any field; OR A bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION

Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent. A current driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.

NOTE:

The incumbent of this position must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in

R.S. 15.587.1

(c). Job Specification The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties and Other Information Job Duties:

Maintains a caseload of foster/adoptive homes, requiring highly specialized skills for diagnostic/assessment/intervention techniques. Network/coordinate with resources in the community, agency, and stakeholders, and provide support and services to both the foster/adoptive parents and the agency staff to work towards the best interest of the children placed in these homes. Recommends approval or denial of recertification for certified foster/adopt homes. Develops, complies, and updates foster home availability lists regularly. Provides support and assistance to the Foster Care Worker and/or Child Protection Investigator and/or supervisor during a time of crisis, such as disruption, or needing an emergency placement. Offers assistance for placements after hours as assigned by supervisor. Recruits, trains, and supports foster/adoptive families. Address client's questions and concerns. Performs other duties as assigned for the smooth operation of the Department.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type:

This position may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

Work Schedule:

Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts.

Work Location:

 This position is located in the East Baton Rouge Parish Child Welfare Office in Baton Rouge, LA.

Career Progression:

As part of a Career Progression Group, vacancies may be filled as a Child Welfare Specialist Trainee, Specialist 1, Specialist 2 or Specialist 3 depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant.

Compensation:

 The referenced positions have a Special Entrance Rate (SER) see below: Child Welfare Specialist Trainee -

SER:

$1,649.60 bi-weekly (Pay Level SS-411) Child Welfare Specialist 1 -

SER:

$1,764.80 bi-weekly (Pay Level SS-412) Child Welfare Specialist 2 -

SER:

$1,820.80 bi-weekly (Pay Level SS-414) Child Welfare Specialist 3 -

SER:

$1,948.00 bi-weekly (Pay Level SS-415) In accordance with La. R.S. 46:51.2 the department shall conduct a State Central Registry (SCS) check for a potential employee of the department to determine whether or not said individual's name appears on a SCR subsequent to December 31, 2009, and whose duties include: investigations of child abuse or neglect, supervisory or disciplinary authority over children, direct care to a child, or performance of licensing surveys. In accordance with state laws, selected candidates must pass the following checks before any final job offer will be made: Drug Test, Criminal Background, State Central Registry, and Louisiana State Police Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry.

Note:

 The incumbent of this position must not have been convicted or pled nolo contendere to a crime listed in

R.S. 15.587.1

(c). Must possess a valid driver's license & access to a personal vehicle.

How To Apply:

No Civil Service Test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. •Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in this application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

For additional information about this vacancy, please email hr.inquiry@la.gov. DCFS is an "Equal Opportunity Employer" and Louisiana is a "State as a Model Employer" (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. Employer State of Louisiana Address 1201 N 3rd St Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802