DHHS Program Specialist

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services - Agency 25
Location:
Statewide, NE
Hiring Rate:
$24.862
Job Posting:
JR2026-00029488 DHHS Program Specialist (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
10-08-2026
Job Description:
The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a motivated individual to join our Child and Family Services (CFS) Team and fill the role of Program Specialist to help shape and improve Child and Family Services programs through policy, quality assurance, data analysis, training, and technical support. This role works across teams and partners to identify opportunities for improvement and help ensure services meet both regulatory requirements and the needs of Nebraska families.

Bring your experience to a team where it can make a broader impact. This position offers the opportunity to use your knowledge of child and family services beyond day-to-day casework, working with teams and partners to improve programs, support staff, and strengthen services for Nebraskans.

Examples of Work

The Program Specialist will:

- Ensure Initial Assessments are conducted in compliance with Federal and State statutes/regulations and agency policy; supporting quality improvement by identifying trends, gaps, and training needs.

- Ensure case management practices align with Federal and State statutes/regulations and agency policy; monitoring the quality of timeliness of services delivered to children and families; supporting field staff through consultation and policy interpretation.

- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote positive outcomes for children and families receiving CFS services and case management.

- Manage and oversee the following specialized programs (CASA, LB 945, and the TANF-CEDARS Grant), ensuring compliance with Federal and State statutes/regulations for these specialized programs.

- Assist in monitoring, organizing, and responding to inquiries received through the Central Office shared email inbox.

- Review and track incoming emails and requests.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services or other program related field. Professional experience working in a human/social service or health care agency with responsibility for planning or evaluation services, programs or operational policies and practices may substitute in lieu of the educational requirement.

Preferred Qualifications: Past CFS experience in Initial Assessment as well as Ongoing Case Management. Prior CFS training or supervision experience. Program knowledge preferred is extensive knowledge of CFS case management policy and procedures.

Other: Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: the principles and practices of public administration; procedure and policy development; methods and techniques of program planning; federal and state laws, rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to health and human services programs; public funds and budgeting methods; the principles and techniques of adult learning; quality assurance mechanisms; principles and techniques of planning, monitoring and evaluating human services programs and service delivery systems.

Skill in: interpreting and/or clarifying policy to interested groups; conducting formal presentations to provide education and share information.

Ability to: plan, organize and direct a major program; work collaboratively in a team setting; analyze, develop and organize materials; establish and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, service providers/contractors, community organizations and clients; communicate electronically, on paper or in person to promote, explain, discuss, advise and interact with interested groups on various program issues and problems; prepare and review technical documents such as summaries of state and federal regulations, action plans, reports, contracts and grants; understand, interpret and apply instructions, laws, rules, policies and procedures pertinent to the program; exercise independent critical thinking skills; maintain liaison with community representatives and other governmental agencies.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.