State of Michigan

Ingham County CPS & Foster Care Services Specialist

State of Michigan

Lansing, MI, USA
Full-TimeDepends on ExperienceMid-LevelBachelors
Job Description

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children and families in need? Are you dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join the State of Michigan as a CPS & Foster Care Services Specialist for Ingham County.As a CPS & Foster Care Services Specialist, you will play a critical role in protecting and supporting children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Your compassion, empathy, and strong communication skills will be essential as you work closely with families, foster parents, and community partners to create a safe and nurturing environment for these children.To be successful in this role, you will need a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, as well as prior experience in child welfare or foster care services. Your ability to remain calm under pressure, manage difficult situations, and collaborate with a diverse team will also be crucial.If you are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, apply now to join our dedicated team at State of Michigan.

  1. Conduct investigations and assessments of reported child abuse or neglect cases, in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
  2. Develop and implement safety and treatment plans for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
  3. Coordinate and facilitate regular visits and communication between children and their families, and provide support to ensure reunification when appropriate.
  4. Collaborate with community partners, such as law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers, to gather and share information relevant to child welfare cases.
  5. Provide crisis intervention and support to families in crisis situations, and make appropriate referrals for additional services as needed.
  6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, documentation, and reports in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
  7. Participate in court hearings and provide testimony as needed to support the best interests of the child.
  8. Understand and comply with all state and federal laws and regulations related to child welfare and foster care services.
  9. Continuously assess the safety and well-being of children in foster care placements, and work with foster parents to ensure they have the necessary support and resources.
  10. Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in the field of child welfare.
  11. Engage in regular supervision and consultation with team members and supervisors to discuss case progress and any challenges that may arise.
  12. Maintain a high level of professionalism and ethical standards in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
  13. Act as an advocate for children and families, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
  14. Actively participate in agency initiatives and projects to improve child welfare services and outcomes for children and families.
  15. Stay informed about current trends and research in the field of child welfare and incorporate best practices into daily work.
Where is this job?
This job is located at Lansing, MI, USA
Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree In Social Work Or A Related Field: A Strong Educational Foundation Is Essential For A Cps & Foster Care Services Specialist. A Bachelor's Degree In Social Work Or A Related Field Provides A Solid Understanding Of Social Work Principles And Equips Candidates With The Necessary Skills To Perform The Job Effectively.

  • Experience In Child Welfare Services: Previous Experience Working In Child Welfare Services Is Highly Desirable For This Role. Candidates With A Background In Cps Or Foster Care Services Will Have A Better Understanding Of The Job Requirements And Be Better Equipped To Handle Challenging Situations.

  • Knowledge Of State And Federal Laws And Regulations: As A Cps & Foster Care Services Specialist, It Is Important To Have A Thorough Understanding Of The Laws And Regulations Governing Child Welfare Services. This Includes Knowledge Of State And Federal Laws Related To Child Abuse And Neglect, As Well As Policies And Procedures For Foster Care Placement And Adoption.

  • Strong Communication And Interpersonal Skills: The Ability To Communicate Effectively And Build Relationships With Clients, Colleagues, And Community Partners Is Crucial For A Cps & Foster Care Services Specialist. This Includes Active Listening Skills, Empathy, And The Ability To Handle Difficult Conversations With Sensitivity And Professionalism.

  • Case Management Experience: The Role Of A Cps & Foster Care Services Specialist Involves Managing Multiple Cases And Coordinating With Various Stakeholders, Including Families, Law Enforcement, And Court Systems. Candidates With Previous Experience In Case Management Will Be Better Equipped To Handle The Demands Of This Position.

Required Skills
  • Case management

  • Cultural competency

  • advocacy

  • Crisis intervention

  • Safety planning

  • Court Proceedings

  • Trauma-Informed Care

  • Resource Coordination

  • Family Assessment

  • Child Welfare

  • Child Protection

Soft Skills
  • Communication

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Leadership

  • Time management

  • Interpersonal Skills

  • Critical thinking

  • Teamwork

  • Adaptability

  • Problem-Solving

Compensation

According to JobzMall, the average salary range for a Ingham County CPS & Foster Care Services Specialist in Lansing, MI, USA is $40,000-$50,000 per year. However, this may vary depending on the specific job responsibilities, years of experience, and additional skills and qualifications. It is recommended to research the specific organization and job listing for a more accurate salary range.

Additional Information
State of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Required LanguagesEnglish
Job PostedSeptember 16th, 2025
Apply BeforeApril 11th, 2026
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About State of Michigan

Michigan is a midwestern U.S. state bordering 4 of the Great Lakes. It contains more than 11,000 inland lakes, spread across its lower and upper peninsulas. Its largest city, Detroit, is famed as the seat of the U.S. auto industry, which inspired Diego Rivera’s murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Also in Detroit is Hitsville U.S.A., original headquarters of the Motown record company.

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