Full-Time
Child and Family Services Specialist Trainee
Child and Family Services
Updated on 8/17/2026
State of Nebraska
5,001-10,000 employees
State government promoting agriculture
Compensation Overview
$22.33 - $26.18/hr
Norfolk, NE, USA + 1 more
More locations: Pierce, NE, USA
In Person
Frequent travel to families’ homes and community locations is required; participation in an on-call rotation includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.
Bachelor's
 Administrative & Executive Assistance (1) |
|---|
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- A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, human development, mental health care, education, criminal justice, or another related field is required.
- Applicants enrolled in the final semester of a bachelor’s degree may be considered, with promotion contingent on completing degree requirements and required training.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
- The ability to engage effectively with children and adults from diverse backgrounds, including people experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability, is required.
- The ability to temporarily care for children while coordinating their transition to safe and appropriate placements may be required.
- Serve as a case manager for families referred to the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Conduct home visits and comprehensive safety assessments in diverse community settings.
- Advocate for the well-being of children and families while respecting cultural and individual diversity.
- Apply family-centered practices and actively involve families in decision-making.
- Collaborate with the legal system and other partners to support case permanency goals.
- Use Structured Decision Making tools to inform safety planning and case decisions.
- Write timely, accurate, and professional documentation for internal and legal use.
- Connect families to formal services and informal supports based on assessed needs.
- Promote normalcy and permanency for children in care.
- Apply trauma-informed and least-restrictive approaches to strengthen family functioning and resilience.
- Participate in an on-call rotation covering weeknights, weekends, and holidays.
- Complete required training and occasional after-hours field experiences or case-related responsibilities during the training period.
- Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, or case management is preferred.
- Internship experience with human services or child welfare agencies is preferred.
Nebraska is a U.S. state that provides government services to residents and supports the state’s economy, with a strong emphasis on agriculture. The state operates through agencies and programs that manage public education, infrastructure, health, safety, land use, and economic development, aiming to keep communities safe, informed, and prosperous. Its programs work by collecting taxes and fees, creating laws and regulations, and delivering services via state agencies, local governments, and partnerships with farmers, businesses, and non-profits. Nebraska differentiates itself from other states through its large agricultural sector and open land, which shape policies and programs around farming, water management, rural development, and access to markets. The goal is to sustain a stable, productive environment for residents and to support agricultural leadership and economic growth across the state.
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Lincoln, Nebraska
Founded
1867
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Pillen's July 8 hiring freeze protects incumbents from immediate headcount churn.
- DHHS says 80% of interRAI funding levels stayed flat or rose since July 2025.
- A&M's four-month evaluation can fix interRAI defects before litigation hardens.
What critics are saying
- Nebraska Public Media reported Pillen's July 8 memo froze most vacancies and cut budgets 5%.
- Legal Aid sued DHHS on May 11, 2026, over interRAI's secret criteria and 35% cuts.
- August 18 agency plans include position cuts, fee hikes, and lower training across Nebraska.
What makes State of Nebraska unique
- Nebraska controls statewide Medicaid waivers, courts, prisons, roads, and licensing.
- The state offers public-employee pensions and civil-service stability across departments.
- DHHS, State Patrol, and colleges create broad, recession-resistant hiring demand.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Company News
NE Chamber announces Sharpe as manufacturing Director. LINCOLN, Nebraska - August 20, 2026 - Erin Sharpe has been hired by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry as its new Director of Manufacturing, NE Chamber President & CEO Joseph Young announced today. Sharpe has worked as Director of iHub at Northeast Community College and will bring an array of experience in Nebraska innovation and workforce development to the NE Chamber. Sharpe has a career built on customer advocacy, operational excellence and business growth, primarily in the manufacturing sector. In her role as Director of Northeast's iHub, she has led the development of the new Norfolk-area fabrication lab, workforce development lab and youth STEM center. The iHub is a creation and ideation environment giving users space to explore, experiment and create using cutting-edge tools and technologies. Since 2024 she helped secure funding for the $8.5 million facility along with $2 million in technical equipment for the 18,000-square-foot regional makerspace and training center. During her time at Northeast, the college has engaged 1,200 K-12 students through camps and after-school programs and delivered automation training programs serving local workers and workplaces. The iHub facility was the first in Nebraska to achieve Smart Automation Certification Alliance Gold Testing designation. Sharpe's previous roles have been in purchasing, analysis, international team leadership, vendor management and ecommerce at Kawasaki Motors, Spreetail, Wholestone Farms, and Petrelocation. She has a master's in business administration and bachelor's degree in communication and mass media from Northwest Missouri State University. Sharpe will be primarily located in Norfolk and work throughout the state with Nebraska's manufacturing sector. Her role will be convening and coordinating leaders from education, workforce and policy partners to create initiatives, build networks and increase NE Chamber manufacturing membership and the impact of manufacturing. Her network will be with individuals and organizations such as the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance, Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the University of Nebraska, and Women in Manufacturing. She will begin her role in September. "Erin has an established network and is a leading influence in Nebraska manufacturing, which will be greatly beneficial to manufacturers and industry partners," said Young. "Her experience at iHub and leadership in northeast Nebraska are a great fit with the NE Chamber." The NE Chamber serves as the manufacturing association for Nebraska and is a member of the National Association of Manufacturers. Earlier in 2026, NeMAC and the NE Chamber Foundation announced a partnership with all six Nebraska community colleges and the Department of Labor in developing a statewide stackable manufacturing credential as a workforce development initiative. Young said Sharpe's experience working in the higher education and manufacturing training space is directly relevant in advancing workforce development in Nebraska manufacturing. "Erin's passion for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities has left a lasting mark on the Northeast iHub," said Leah Barrett, president of Northeast. "We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and proud to see her take on this important statewide role. We congratulate Erin and look forward to continuing our work together in support of Nebraska manufacturers and the future workforce they depend on."
DHHS partners with independent third party to evaluate interRAI implementation for Developmental Disability Waivers. August 18, 2026 3:00 pm by Karli Ferry 40 total views, 23 views today Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has partnered with Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector (A&M) to evaluate the implementation of the interRAI needs assessment for Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers. Alvarez & Marsal will conduct information gathering, stakeholder engagement, data analysis and interactive vetting of the interRAI assessment tool for DD Waivers over the next four months. An independent analysis will provide objective recommendations to optimize Nebraska's allocation of resources for individuals receiving Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Waivers. At the conclusion of the contract, Alvarez & Marsal will deliver a summary of their findings to DHHS. The evaluation process will include several activities, including stakeholder engagement with families, providers, clients, and DHHS employees, to assess the effectiveness, usability, performance, and overall value. Alvarez & Marsal will also review public comments given at the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee meetings and Olmstead Advisory Committee meetings. The main objectives of the interRAI implementation evaluation are to assess the effectiveness of the implementation process, evaluate the impact on service delivery and outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the system is meeting program, operational, and policy objectives. Alvarez & Marsal will: * Review current practices and the identification of existing challenges, * Analyze existing data to determine reliability and validity of the Nebraska model, * Explore peer state practices that could potentially be used to enhance or improve current practice, and * Identify opportunities to increase the integrity of the assessment process and resulting alignment with budget tiers. "Before launching the interRAI in July 2025, the state intended to conduct an independent evaluation of the interRAI implementation for DD Waivers based on feedback. The interRAI was selected with input from stakeholders and is a nationally accredited tool to determine services based on a cost to serve model. Since the launch, DHHS has continuously monitored the output of interRAI assessments to ensure participants are receiving an appropriate determination," said Tony Green, Division of Disability and Aging Director. In 2024, DHHS began the process of selecting a more modern, standardized, person centered, and comprehensive assessment tool. DHHS received input and advice from the DD Advisory Committee, Olmstead Advisory Committee, and Myers and Stauffer. The previous assessment, the ICAP, was no longer being updated or evaluated for effectiveness. Nebraska changed assessment tools to the interRAI to allow a single use tool to serve multiple purposes. The interRAIs are standardized and validated tools ensuring Nebraskans objectively receive services based on an accurate review of current, point in time, behavioral and health-related needs and that appropriate funding amounts are consistently distributed to participants with similar levels of need. From the launch of the interRAI for DD Waivers on July 1, 2025, DHHS has significantly expanded access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Approximately 80% of Nebraskans' funding levels have stayed the same or increased as a result of the interRAI assessments. Alvarez & Marsal is an international organization that specializes in improving and managing services for government entities with an over 40 year history of evaluating and optimizing government systems. That background was a key reason they were selected to evaluate the Nebraska DHHS implementation of the interRAI for DD Waivers. The DHHS Division of Disability and Aging service budget will not be impacted or used to cover the cost of an independent evaluation to optimize allocation of resources for HCBS Waivers. The cost of the contract is $420,000. This contract is exempt from competitive bidding pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute §73-813 by: having been competitively bid by another state or group of states, a group of states and any political subdivision of any other state, a political subdivision of another state, or a cooperative purchasing organization on behalf of a group of states or political subdivisions of other states. "This evaluation is not coming at a cost to services. As we continuously have an increase in the number of Nebraskans receiving waiver services, an independent and in-depth evaluation will allow Nebraska to optimize service delivery and allocation of resources to ensure the needs of all are being met while the program remains sustainable," said Green. interRAI is used by over 25 other states. interRAI has also developed standardized and evidence-based assessment tools with research, clinicians and policy experts spanning more than 35 countries.
Registration open for 5th annual Nebraska Women Veterans Symposium in Kearney. Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs Aug 12, 2026 | 9:43 AM The Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA) is hosting its fifth annual Nebraska Women Veterans Symposium at the Holiday Inn in Kearney on Sept. 19-20, (Courtesy) KEARNEY - The Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA) is hosting its fifth annual Nebraska Women Veterans Symposium at the Holiday Inn in Kearney on Sept. 19-20. The two-day event is free for attendees, with space for up to 200 women veterans to attend and participate in networking, listening sessions, presentations, special activities, and more. It is open to women veterans, active duty, Reserves, and National Guard members. "I am so humbled to be in our fifth year of bringing together Nebraska's women veterans and to see the continued success of this outreach event," said NDVA Women Veterans Coordinator Erin Colson. The symposium will include a wide range of presenters and topics, including an overview of benefits and services available to veterans and their families through the state of Nebraska and NDVA. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Nebraska Western-Iowa Healthcare System will present on healthcare and eligibility. Other VA presenters will include representatives from the VA Women Veterans Program, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), and VA Whole Health. Other topics will include alcohol and substance abuse prevention, PTSD/Trauma, and suicide prevention. Attendees will have opportunities to participate in activities hosted by New Century Art Guild, MOVE Program, and more, and the Hanes Mobile Military Museum will have a display of military uniforms. "We want to be there for every veteran in the state, and targeted outreach events like this ensure we're meeting veterans where they are," said NDVA Director John Hilgert. "With over 100 outreach events each year, our team has made incredible strides in seeking out Nebraska's veterans and their families to ensure they know we're here to serve them." Event attendees are also invited to participate in the "Landscapes of Service" art display. This art display, unique to this year's symposium, is intended to allow artists within the women veteran community to meet up with each other while exploring the personal or abstract connection to the concept of service between themselves, others, and country. Anyone interested in submitting artwork must be able to attend this year's symposium where it will be on display for the entire weekend. More information, including submission rules and guidelines, is available at veterans.nebraska.gov/womenveterans. Registration is for the Nebraska Women Veterans Symposium is available at veterans.nebraska.gov/womenveterans. Registration is open until the date of the event or when all 200 spots are filled. For questions about the event, please contact NDVA Women Veterans Coordinator Erin Colson at [email protected] or 402-420-4337. Financial support for this year's symposium has come from Overhouse, Right at Home, VFW Foundation, and Wounded Warriors Family Support. NDVA's mission is to honor Nebraska veterans and their families by providing excellent service, assistance, and care. Its state service office helps veterans identify and access federal benefits, such as disability compensation and healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and state benefits, such as Nebraska Veterans Aid, tuition waivers, and more. Its four state veterans' homes offer high quality assisted living and skilled nursing care to veterans and eligible family members across the state. And its cemetery system ensures eligible veterans receive an honorable final resting place maintained to the highest national standards. To learn more about NDVA and how it serves Nebraska's veterans and their families, please visit veterans.nebraska.gov.
Nebraska Democrats, Working Families Party sue 'Working People Party' Suit similar to GOP challenge to new 'America First Party' LINCOLN - The Nebraska Democratic Party and the national Working Families Party have sued Nebraska's Working People Party to block it from the fall ballot. The two objecting parties are asking Lancaster District Court Judge Darla Ideus to stop Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen from officially recognizing the party, and to declare that the party's name is breaking state law because it is meant to confuse voters. "The name of the 'Working People Party' is clearly designed to draw a false association with independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn, who is supported by the Nebraska Democratic Party's leadership and likely to receive overwhelming support from the party's members in his challenge to the Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts. Osborn has framed his campaign around giving 'working people a seat at the table,'" the lawsuit reads. The lawsuit filed Monday cites state law that says the secretary of state can reject a candidate's filing if the state's top election official determines that someone is not a "good-faith candidate" or is trying to cause confusion for voters. The law also says objections to party names can be considered. A lawsuit filed last week by the Nebraska Republican Party suing the America First Party also cites that law. State Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb has accused U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts of being behind the effort to establish the Nebraska Working People Party. Republicans objected to efforts to establish the America First Party, pointing to Omaha Tribe Attorney General John Cartier's connection to Legal Marijuana Now Senate candidate Mike Marvin. The sponsor of the Nebraska Working People Party effort is registered Democrat Robin Richards, according to paperwork submitted to the Secretary of State's Office. She lost as a write-in candidate in Legislative District 12 earlier this year. That district is in south-central Douglas County and includes Ralston and parts of Omaha. Following her loss, Richards endorsed incumbent Republican state Sen. Merv Riepe for the general election. Working Families Party is a progressive party based in New York that focuses on working-class issues. The lawsuit says, "The Working Families Party has worked for decades to build a reputation and brand based around its name. Although it does not currently maintain a chapter in Nebraska, the Working Families Party supports candidates aligned with its values and deliberately avoids diverting votes from those candidates in States like Nebraska." A Working Families Party representative told Nebraska Public Media earlier this year that it was considering legal action against the Nebraska Working People Party. The lawsuit from the Democratic Party adds to litigation in this Nebraska midterm cycle. Another lawsuit seeks to force Nebraska Democrats to find a replacement for their Senate nominee, Cindy Burbank, who dropped out. Burbank had previously sued to get back on the primary ballot after Evnen removed her for not being a "good faith" candidate. The state Secretary of State's Office announced last week that both new political parties had met the petition signature threshold. If the parties meet the deadline to submit organization documents, they must name candidates for the Nov. 3 general election by Sept. 1. It's unclear which races will see candidates from these two new parties, but most of the political drama has centered on the Senate race between Osborn and incumbent Republican Ricketts. The attorneys for the Democrats and the Working Families Party plan to request that their case be heard at the same time as the Republican lawsuit. A hearing in the Republican suit has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday. Judge Ideus granted a new emergency injunction stopping certification of the America First Party through Aug. 20.
New open complaint pushes PSC to urge Nebraska grain producers to come forward. 4 hours ago LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) - The Nebraska Public Service Commission has opened a complaint against The Andersons Inc., an Ohio-based agribusiness. The complaint is opened for failing to make timely payments to a Nebraska grain producer. The complaint was filed by the Commission's Grain Warehouses and Dealers Department after an investigation. The investigation involved the producer's report that showed The Andersons had not paid for multiple grain deliveries. According to the PSC, the company and producer have reached an agreement. The Commission encouraged other Nebraska grain producers or sellers to come forward if they have experienced anything similar. "Our priority is protecting Nebraska's grain producers and ensuring buyers meet their obligations under state law," said Terri Fritz, Grain Department director. "If producers are not being paid in a timely manner, we want to hear from them. Information from other sellers will help us determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern."