Grand Traverse​/Kalkaska County – Services Specialist; CPS​/Foster Care Case Manager

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services

Recruitment began on July 14, 2025

and the job listing Expires on January 14, 2026

You must apply using the external link to be considered for this position.

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. (Download PDF reader)

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.

To be considered, you MUST:

• Attach a copy of your official transcripts showing you meet the below educational requirements. These must be signed by the registrar or show the university seal. We do accept electronic official transcripts.
• Attach an up to date resume.
• Attach a cover letter.
• Attach a written response to the “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 any of the above items may result in your application being screened out.

Education
Possession of a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a major in one of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, interdisciplinary studies in social science, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, or in a human services-related counseling major.
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 human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, interdisciplinary studies in social science, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, or in a human services-related counseling major.

Experience

Services Specialist 9
No specific type or amount is required.

Services Specialist 10
One year of professional experience providing casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist 9.

Services Specialist P11
Two 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 12
Three years of professional experience providing social casework services to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals equivalent to a Services Specialist, including one year equivalent to a Services Specialist P11.

Additional Requirements and Information

When you apply, your application is valid for 6 months. After 6 months, you MUST reapply for continued consideration

Position Location/Remote Office: The office locations for this position are located at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 701 South Elmwood Suite 19, Traverse City, MI 49684 and 503 North Birch Street. Kalkaska, MI 49646. This position has the ability to work hybrid (combination of remote and office). The hybrid work environment offers a flexible working arrangement where an employee works some of their time remotely and some of their time at the office location listed.

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.

As a Condition of Employment – this position requires a valid driver’s license and successful completion of a background investigation including fingerprinting and a criminal records check.

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 field training.

Additionally, the employee must successfully complete a minimum number of hours of in-service training on an annual basis.

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.