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Human Services Program Specialist - CYFS

Posting Begin Date: 2025/12/08

Posting End Date: 2025/12/22

Category: Human Services

Work Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: 32.00

Maximum Salary: 32.00

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Description

DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE OF IDAHOANS

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Division of Youth Safety and Permanency (YSP) is seeking a dedicated and mission-drivenHuman Services Program Specialistto join the Child Welfare Policy and Program Development Team. This role, based at the Department’s Central Office in downtownBoise, offers a meaningful opportunity to shape policies that directly improve the lives of children and families across the state. As a Program Specialist with the Policy and Program Development team, you will play a vital role in strengthening the systems that protect and support vulnerable children.

This position provides the chance to:

* Influence statewide policy to promote prevention, children’s safety, permanency, and well-being

* Support high-impact initiatives that enhance the quality of foster care services

* Collaborate with professionals committed to creating positive outcomes for families

* Bring clarity and direction to key practice standards that guide front line work

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about child welfare, enjoy working in a collaborative policy environment, and want to make a lasting difference at the state level. This announcement will be used to fill the current vacancy in Boise only. If you previously applied for the Human Services Program Specialist position and would like to be considered for this opening, please reapply under this announcement, as prior scores will not carry forward.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:

+ We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (https://www.persi.idaho.gov/members-1/) (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit at retirement.

+ 11 paid holidays

+ Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)

+ Paid parental leave (https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/)

+ Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax (full-time/30+ hours per week)

+ 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options

+ Deferred compensation plan

+ Life insurance for self, spouse, and children

+ Short and long-term disability insurance

+ Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

+ Wide variety of training opportunities

+ Some positions offer flexible hours and/or telecommuting

+ Additional perks and discounts (https://www.regence.com/producer/tools-for-members/advantages-discounts) available through medical provider

+ Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service)

+ Employee assistance program

Additional information related to benefits and/or State programs can be found here: https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

+ Aligns the research, analysis, development, and communication of child welfare policies and rules—ensuring alignment with federal and state requirements, advising internal partners on practice expectations and reporting needs, and presenting proposed rules to departmental and legislative bodies.

+ Represents the Division of YSP on state boards and committees, as well as before individuals and committees, and before individuals and entities such as community partners, providers, state and federal officials, courts, and advocacy groups.

+ Monitors state program activities for quality, integrity, and compliance with state and federal requirements, including evidence-based practices.

+ Identifies and engages key stakeholders to obtain feedback and develop policy and process for Community Pathways to achieve additional opportunities to prevent children from entering the foster care system.

+ Prepares, writes, and submits required federal and state reports by compiling data, analyzing outcomes, and ensuring accuracy and compliance with all reporting guidelines and deadlines.

+ Collaborates with team members to support cross-training by sharing expertise, jointly reviewing work, and offering mutual guidance on child safety, permanency, independent living, well-being, and ICWA practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

You must possess all the minimum and specialty minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum and specialty qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position. It is highly recommended to attach a one-page cover letter to your application to demonstrate how you meet the requirements below.

+ Considerable knowledge of social, psychological, or rehabilitative services, principles, and methods. Typically gained by a Masters (or higher) degree in a behavioral/social science, social work, psychology, psychosocial rehabilitation or closely related field, OR a bachelor's degree in a behavioral/social science, social work, psychology, psychosocial rehabilitation AND 1 year relevant experience or closely related field OR State licensure as a Registered Nurse pursuant to the Nurse Licensure Compact, Idaho Code 54-1418 OR 4 - 5 years’ experience directly related to subject area OR combination of coursework and experience that represents the knowledge level above.

+ Experience working with public social/rehabilitative service delivery systems. Typically gained by approximately two years of experience with public social/rehabilitative service delivery systems.

+ Experience planning, implementing, and overseeing a community-based social/rehabilitative service program to include community organization. Typically this requirement is met through leadership experience participating in a community effort to plan, implement, and oversee a social/rehabilitative service program.

Below is preferred experience. It is not required for the position but applicants with this experience may receive consideration over other applicants.

+ Considerable knowledge of child welfare and foster care practices.Typically gained by at least three years of professional work experience in the child welfare field, including independent living.

+ Experience and knowledge of policy development and analysis.Typically gained by at least two years of professional work experience in the analysis and development and monitoring of grants and/or contracts.

+ Experience and knowledge of program oversight and/or leadership.Typically gained by at least two years of professional work experience as a supervisor in a public or private social service setting.

+ Good knowledge of supervisory practices.Typically gained by two (2) years of supervision experience or equivalent experience providing guidance, coaching, and direction to staff to ensure consistent understanding and application of statewide policies and practices.

Learn About a Career with DHW (https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/about-dhw/dhw-careers)

***PLEASE NOTE: application assistance is not available after the business hours listed below, on the weekends, or on holidays and you must apply before 4:59 pm on the closing date. When applying, use CHROME as your browser to avoid complications.

If you have questions, please contact us at:

Email is the quickest way to get an answer to your questions.

(answered Monday through Friday during business hours MST)

EMAIL: [email protected] (http://[email protected]/)

PHONE: (208) 334-0681

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email[email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.