DIVISION OF YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING
FAMILY SERVICE SPECIALIST TRAINEE
(BILINGUAL OR NON-BILINGUAL)

 

1. How do I obtain a Social work position with the Division of Youth and Family Services?
   
2. What will happen after I submit my resume and cover letter?
   
3. What are the requirements for Family Service Specialist Trainee (Bilingual or Non Bilingual)?
   
4. What are the basic job duties of a Family Service Specialist Trainee/Family Service Specialist Trainee Bilingual Spanish/English?
   
5. What is the starting salary for Family Service Specialist Trainee/Family Service Specialist Trainee Bilingual Spanish/English?
   
6. Where may I obtain information about current NJ State Government job vacancies?
   

1. How do I obtain a Social work position with the Division of Youth and Family Services?

   The Division of Youth and Family Services (commonly known as DYFS) utilizes the entry level title of Family Service Specialist Trainee.  This title can be filled using a bilingual variant, if applicable.
   
   

   To obtain a social work position with DYFS, you must submit a cover letter and resume indicating that you hold a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.  Please send this information to Department of Children and Families, Office of Human Resources, PO Box 717, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0717, or you may e-mail yfsresume@dcf.state.nj.us
   
   

   

2. What will happen after I submit my resume and cover letter?

   Your resume will be entered into our database, and reviewed and evaluated based on your education and experience. Your resume will remain on active file for one year. During that time, you will receive an acknowledgement letter and you may be contacted for an interview. At the time of the interview, you will be asked to provide proof of your education.
   
   

   

3. What are the requirements for Family Service Specialist Trainee (Bilingual or Non Bilingual)?

   The minimum requirements are graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree and possession of a driver’s license valid in New Jersey. Bilingual candidates will be tested for the ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.
   
   

   

4. What are the basic job duties of a Family Service Specialist Trainee/Family Service Specialist Trainee Bilingual Spanish/English?

   Under direction of a Supervising Family Service Specialist in a DYFS Local Office, a trainee performs field and office work involving the collection, analysis, and recording of significant facts. Responsibilities may include responding to child abuse/neglect referrals, responding to requests for child welfare services; in-home visits and arranging for residential or foster care placements. A trainee attends a comprehensive in-service training program, in addition to performing field and office casework duties.
   
   

   

5. What is the starting salary for Family Service Specialist Trainee/Family Service Specialist Trainee Bilingual Spanish/English?

   The starting salary is $44,749.50.  After six (6) months of continuous employment, and successful completion of the working test period, the salary is upgraded to $46,808.35.
   
   

   

6. Where may I obtain information about current NJ State Government job vacancies?

   The Division advertises in local newspapers throughout the state of New Jersey and via the Internet.
   
   

   You may access and seek out job vacancies at any time via the Internet. The website address for the Department of Personnel is: www.state.nj.us/personnel