The state Department of Human Services is turning to colleges for new recruits to work in child welfare services, and
Northern Michigan University is one of those it's looking at.
The Michigan DHS is planning to hire 500 new child welfare employees, and is hosting a three-day recruiting event at Northern.
"This event came about as a very pleasant, but very much welcomed, surprise," says Jim Gadzinski, NMU director of academic and career advisement. "With the level of unemployment and the economy as it is, this is truly a great opportunity for our graduating seniors, our alumni, and the people of the Upper Peninsula."
The event runs Feb. 8 to 10 and starts at 5.p.m. Feb. 8 with a presentation on careers in child welfare for social science students. Afterwards, would-be recruits can sign up for interviews, to be held Feb 9 and 10.
DHS is looking for highly qualified graduates of Michigan schools to fill the slots, which are designed to improve the child welfare system by getting more service workers on the front lines of the system.
Applicants should hold a bachelor's or master's degree in social work, psychology, family studies, counseling psychology, criminal justice, sociology, family ecology, consumer/community services, family and/or child development, or guidance/school counseling. Current students graduating in spring or summer 2011 are also encouraged to apply.
The other universities to host DHS recruiting events are Michigan State, Grand Valley, Oakland University and Marygrove College.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Jim Gadzinski, Northern Michigan University
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