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Posted: February 3, 2026 (26 days ago)

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Lake County CPS & Foster Care Services Specialist 9-12

State of Michigan

Health and Human Services - Counties

Older

Location

Michigan, 48909

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Salary

$25.14 - $41.36

per hour

Type

Full-Time

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Closes

Open until filled

Job Description

Summary

This job involves helping protect children from abuse and neglect by working with families, communities, and the legal system to find safe, permanent homes—such as reuniting kids with parents or preparing them for independent living.

It's a role in child protective services and foster care at a county health department in Michigan.

A good fit would be someone compassionate, organized, and committed to supporting vulnerable families, with a background in social work or related fields.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related human services field
  • Ability to apply child welfare practices to assess and intervene in abuse/neglect cases
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with families, legal systems, and teams
  • Willingness to complete a 9-week pre-service training program (270 hours) and ongoing annual in-service training
  • Submission of official transcripts, resume, cover letter, and written response to job video questions
  • No use of AI in application or selection process; valid driver's license may be needed for field work
  • Experience or knowledge in case management, crisis intervention, and child safety planning

Full Job Description

The Services Specialist will utilize child welfare practice skills to ensure children are protected from abuse and neglect. When child abuse or neglect is indicated, specialists work closely with families and the legal system toward a goal of reunification, independent living, or other permanent living situation.

This position is located at the Lake County Department of Health and Human Services, 5653 South M-37, Baldwin, MI 49304.

Review the position description at: Position Description (9-P11), Services Specialist 12 Position Description
Review the job specification at: Job Specification

Visual Description: An infographic in mint green with black text displaying the MDHHS logo in the upper left which provides important application information for applicants applying to this MDHHS job posting. Informational Text: The image is categorized into two main areas highlighting the required documents and important information. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Official Transcripts must have the following: • University Seal/Watermark • Signed by the Registrar • Electronic upload is accepted • Show degree received/conferred date or include a letter from the Registrar stating that you are in your final coursework A resume is required A cover letter is required Written Response to Is This Job for Me? video answering the following questions: • If selected for this position, what do you believe your biggest challenge will be? • How do you see yourself overcoming this challenge? Failure to complete and attach any of the above items may result in your application being screened out. IMPORTANT INFORMATION • 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 the application questions, and responses to interview questions or exercises. • This posting is being used to recruit for both permanent and limited term appointments. A limited term assignment has the potential of becoming permanent, but this is not guaranteed. • Applications are valid for 6 months. After 6 months, you MUST reapply for continued consideration. • The department reserves the right to close this posting at any time if it is determined that a sufficient number of applications have been received. • Upon hire, the successful candidate will be required to complete a nine-week pre-service training program that includes a total of 270 hours of competency-based classroom and on the job training. Additionally, the employee must successfully complete a minimum number of hours of in-service training on an annual basis.

Requirements

Visual Description: An infographic in mint green with black text displaying the MDHHS logo in the upper left which provides the minimum education and experience for applicants applying to this MDHHS job posting. Informational Text: The image is categorized into two main areas highlighting the minimum education and minimum experience. MINIMUM EDUCATION Possession of a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the following human services areas 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: • Social Work • Sociology • Psychology • Criminal Justice • Forensic Psychology • Education • Law Enforcement • Behavioral Science • Gerontology • Family Studies • Human Services • Family Ecology • Family &/or Child Development • Education of the Gifted • Community Development • Education of the Emotionally Disturbed • Human Services-related Counseling major • Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Services • Community Services • Special Education • Counseling Psychology MINIMUM EXPERIENCE Services Specialist 9 No specific type or amount is required. Services Specialist 10One year of professional experience providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist 9. Services Specialist P11Two 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 12Three 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 P11.

Qualifications



Additional Information


The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.

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MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.
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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/3/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/5/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-michigan-4644912