Regional Office Child Welfare Specialist I

This position works collaboratively with the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to support ACF's Children's Bureau in implementing all aspects of the Child and Family Services Review (CFSRs). CFSRs are designed to determine states' compliance with titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, and to evaluate child welfare system performance and require states to make improvement in outcomes for children and families. As part of this work and to create a system that is effective and equitable for all, particular attention is paid to the experiences of those who may be marginalized and more likely to have disparate outcomes. Applying an equity lens in the CFSR is essential to accurately assessing, identifying, and addressing system-wide improvement needs. Therefore, there is a focus on using data and evidence to identify disparities in services and outcomes; understand the role that child welfare programs, policies, and practices may play in contributing to those disparities; and inform and develop systemic improvements including continuous quality improvement progress and program improvement plans.

***This position is for individuals located in Eastern, Central, or Mountain US time zones.****

***Person must be able to travel several times a year to client sites during the week.****

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supports the Children's Bureau in implementing federal monitoring strategies and other task related to the reviews.
• Assists the Children's Bureau in preparing states for and participating in the CFSR;
• Plans for state's participation in CB-led and State-led case reviews;
• Supports state and federal efforts to integrate state stakeholders including persons with lived experience into federal monitoring efforts;
• Conducts quality assurance and federal oversight activities for case reviews using the federal case review instrument;
• Uses statewide data indicators to evaluate performance;
• Conducts stakeholder interviews;
• Evaluates systemic factor functioning;
• Conducts data and root cause analysis;
• Supports states in the development, implementation, and monitoring of program improvement plans;
• Provides support to the regional office by documenting, tracking, and monitoring CFSR activities for region;
• Assists in drafting review and program improvement plan monitoring findings and participate in joint planning efforts with the region.
• Availability and willingness to travel to other States to participate in review and monitoring activities are essential (including a willingness to work long hours during reviews).

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in related field

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in a state public child welfare agency or related field which includes experience in CFSR processes, e.g., assessing systemic factor functioning, case reviews, data analysis, and program improvement.

Knowledge: Demonstrated experience accurately applying the federal case review instrument and experience with the Child and Family Services Reviews.

Soft Skills:

• Have strong communication and "people skills," including but not limited to the ability to engage the child welfare community in collaborative activities, listen attentively, communicate accurately and clearly orally and in writing, have strong team-building skills, and be able to work on a variety of teams and with a variety of people.
• Strong time management skills and ability to take responsibility and self-manage their work and schedule.
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks, have solid analytical skills

Software Proficiency: Demonstrated competency in Microsoft Office and other common software applications.

Clearance: Must be able to pass a federal background clearance check

Language: English fluency (oral and written)

Location: May Vary based on position.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation.
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.
• Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone.
• Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
• Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.
• Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Master's Degree in related field preferred

Experience: 12 years of relevant child welfare experience

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.