FreshGovJobs

✓ Fresh Listing

Posted: January 12, 2026 (3 days ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Van Buren County CPS & Foster Care Services Specialist 9-12

State of Michigan

Health and Human Services - Counties

Fresh

Location

Michigan, 48909

More Michigan jobs →

Salary

$25.89 - $42.60

per hour

Type

Full Time

More Social Services jobs →

Closes

Not specifiedMore State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

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

It's a hands-on role in child welfare services for Michigan's Health and Human Services department, based in Van Buren County with some remote work options.

A good fit would be someone compassionate, organized, and resilient who enjoys problem-solving in tough family situations and has experience or interest in social services.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related human services field
  • Ability to apply child welfare practices to investigate abuse and neglect cases
  • Strong skills in collaborating with families, legal systems, and community partners for child safety and permanency
  • Completion of a 9-week pre-service training program (270 hours) and ongoing annual in-service training
  • Submission of required documents: resume, cover letter, official transcripts, and written response to 'Is This Job for Me?' video questions
  • Eligibility for hybrid work within Michigan, with office in Hartford, MI
  • No use of AI in application or selection process; must pass background checks

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.

Position Location/Remote Office: The office location for this position is at VAN BUREN COUNTY MDHHS, 57150 C.R. 681 HARTFORD, MI 49057 however, this position has the ability to work hybrid (combination of remote and office). Selected candidates who have been approved to work hybrid must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.

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.

Follow us on LinkedIn for more job opportunities!
MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.
Apply on Official SiteCheck My Resume

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Social Services jobsMichigan jobsState jobsAll jobs

Related Jobs

Posted on NEOGOV: 1/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/5/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-michigan-4625554