Would you like to help shape a child welfare service that prioritizes professional quality, collaboration, and innovation? With us, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference for children and youth in the municipalities of Østre and Vestre Toten. 

About Us
Toten Child Welfare Service is a new, intermunicipal service responsible for the municipalities of Østre and Vestre Toten, with Østre Toten serving as the host municipality. We consist of 39 dedicated employees who work to ensure that children and youth living in conditions that may harm their health and development receive the necessary help, care, and protection—at the right time.

We prioritize safety, respect, and understanding in our interactions with children and families, and we collaborate closely with other services to ensure comprehensive follow-up. We are committed to professional development, structure, and procedures, and we maintain high standards in everything we do.

The service is organized into four teams responsible for different aspects of child welfare cases: Investigation and Follow-up—Infants and Toddlers; Investigation and Follow-up—Youth; the Care Team; and the Supervision Team. The Investigation and Follow-up – Youth team also includes an intake and prevention team with two staff members. In addition to the child welfare manager, there are four program managers who are responsible for the professional direction and staff supervision of their respective teams, as well as one program manager with leadership support responsibilities. Together, they form the service’s leadership team. Additionally, an administrative consultant is assigned to the service.

This is an exciting workplace focused on adaptation and development in line with the expectations and requirements placed on the municipality and the child welfare service. 
In Østre Toten Municipality, we prioritize preventive work and early, comprehensive interventions for children, youth, and families. The municipality uses the BTI model (Better Interdisciplinary Efforts) as the basis for providing the right help at the right time. The municipality is currently engaged in several exciting development processes related to organization, service content, and structure. To strengthen preventive work and early intervention, a new service area—Children and Families—has been established within the municipal department of Child and Family Services. The Child Welfare Service is a separate operational unit and, together with the PP Service and the Health Clinic Service, constitutes the “Children and Families” service area. 

About the positions:

We have permanent positions available in the Care Team and in the Investigation and Follow-up – Youth Team.  Here, you’ll have a varied workday as a case worker, where your responsibilities will include:

• Follow-up with children and youth living outside the home
• Follow-up with biological parents
• Follow up with foster families
• Conduct investigations in accordance with the Child Welfare Act
• Implement, follow up on, and evaluate support measures in the home
• Represent the child welfare service in various legal proceedings
• Coordinate and collaborate with other agencies
• Contribute to documentation

We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic work environment where flexibility, collaboration, and professional commitment are essential. The service is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, but some afternoon and evening work should be expected. Some travel related to follow-up visits with the care team should also be expected. The department has a flex-time arrangement and provides company cars, but you must be able to use your own car when necessary.

With us, you’ll find professional challenges, great colleagues, and the opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll be part of a department that puts the needs of children and young people first.

In the event of internal promotions, the applicant pool will be used to fill vacancies.

Qualifications:

Required qualifications:

• Relevant 3-year degree in social work from a college or university. Other relevant college degrees may also be considered.
• An approved police background check must be submitted before starting the position.
• Class B driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications:

• Relevant continuing education.
• Experience in municipal child welfare or other relevant case management experience.
• Knowledge of the Modulus case management system and generally good computer skills.
• Knowledge of public administration.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of age, gender, disability, or cultural background.

Personal qualities:

• You demonstrate commitment, take initiative, are able to work independently, and have the drive to get things done.
• You are clear, open, and have an inclusive style, and you thrive when working collaboratively with others.
• You are flexible, have a high work capacity, and can handle a heavy workload.
• You are able to thrive in a demanding field where you may encounter significant resistance and disagreements, and must be able to handle both your own and others’ despair and frustration.
• You possess strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• You are generous and able to use humor and warmth in your professional practice.
• You focus on collaboration and a strong service orientation.
• You are committed to contributing to interdisciplinary solutions.
• You are committed to actively contributing to a positive work environment.
• You have a fundamentally positive attitude.

Personal suitability will be emphasized.

We offer:

• A strong professional environment with a high level of expertise.
• Training and mentoring for new employees—both individually and in groups.
• External process coaching for all employees.
• Varied and professionally challenging tasks.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement in the role.
• A positive work environment with plenty of humor, warmth, and care.
• Focus on developing our service offerings.
• Exciting position in a municipality with clear development goals and a forward-looking approach.
• Flexible work schedule with the option to work days or afternoons.
• Work-from-home options.
• Fysak agreement offering 2 x 30-minute workouts per week.

As an employee of Østre Toten Municipality, you will be covered by a comprehensive pension and insurance plan. We offer meaningful work and an inclusive work environment. Employees are hired by Østre Toten Municipality under the terms set forth in the applicable regulations, laws, and agreements at any given time. Two percent of gross salary is deducted for pension contributions.

After the application deadline, a public list of applicants will be published, containing the name, age, position or job title, and municipality of residence or employment for each applicant. Exceptions to public access may be made for information about an applicant if the applicant requests it. Information about an applicant may become public even if the applicant has requested not to be included on the list of applicants. If the request is not granted, the applicant will be notified of this.