20 Oklahoma Department of Human Services Interview Questions and Answers

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state agency responsible for providing a wide range of social and human services to the residents of Oklahoma. DHS provides assistance with food, housing, child care, medical care, and other basic needs.

If you’re applying for a job at DHS, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of DHS interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Oklahoma Department of Human Services Interview Process

The interview process at Oklahoma Department of Human Services can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as Field Interviewer or Child Welfare Specialist, you may be asked to complete a written assessment along with your interview. The length of the hiring process also varies, but generally it takes about a month from start to finish.

Overall, the experience seems to be positive, with most people finding the interviewers to be friendly and helpful. However, some people have found the process to be very long and drawn out, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you are offered a job.

1. Tell us about your experience working with children and/or families.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with vulnerable populations. Your answer should include information about the types of clients you worked with and how you helped them.

Example: “I have extensive experience working with children and families in my current role as a social worker for the Department of Human Services. I work with both parents and guardians who are struggling to provide for their families, including those who are homeless or living in poverty. I also work with single mothers who are trying to raise their children on their own. In all cases, I help these families find resources that can improve their situations.”

2. What do you think is the most important aspect of being a social service specialist?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the role and how you would perform it. When answering, consider what skills are most important for a social service specialist in Oklahoma and choose one or two that you feel best represent your abilities.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of being a social service specialist is having empathy. I have worked with many people who were going through difficult situations, and I know that sometimes just listening can be helpful. In my last position, I was able to help someone find resources they needed by simply asking questions and letting them talk about their situation.”

3. How would you handle an angry client on the phone who was accusing you of not doing enough to help them?

This question can help the interviewer assess your communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. Use examples from previous experiences where you remained professional while still managing to resolve a conflict or disagreement with a client.

Example: “I have had this experience in my current role, and I always try to remain calm when speaking with an angry client. In my last position, I was helping a single mother apply for food stamps. She was very upset because she felt that her child should be eligible for free school meals but wasn’t. I listened carefully to what she was saying and explained our eligibility requirements. After explaining how we calculated income and expenses, she understood why her son didn’t qualify for free school meals. She thanked me for my patience and understanding.”

4. Describe a time when you had to work independently, how did you manage it?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to work independently. This is because the Oklahoma Department of Human Services often requires employees to work independently on projects and assignments. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you worked alone but still managed to complete an important task or project.

Example: “When I first started working as a social worker for the state, I was assigned to work with a team of other professionals. However, one day my colleague had to leave early due to an emergency. Since we were in the middle of a meeting, I didn’t have much time to prepare for what I would do next. However, I decided to take over her responsibilities while she was gone. In doing so, I learned how to manage working independently.”

5. If hired, what are some goals that you have for yourself as a child welfare specialist?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong work ethic and are eager to learn more about your role in the department. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some of the skills or experiences you hope to develop as part of your career with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Example: “I am excited to join the child welfare team at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services because I want to continue developing my case management skills. In my last position, I worked on several cases where I had to assess families’ needs and create plans for how we could best help them. I would like to use this experience to help me become a better advocate for children who need our services.”

6. Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you’re comfortable working in a high-pressure environment. This is especially important for human services employees because they often have tight deadlines and work with clients who need immediate assistance. Your answer should show that you can handle pressure well, but also enjoy it.

Example: “I love working in a fast-paced environment. I find it motivating when there are many things to do at once. In my last role as an administrative assistant, I was responsible for managing the calendar of the CEO while answering phones and taking messages. It was challenging, but I enjoyed having so much responsibility.”

7. Have you ever worked with confidential information before?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience handling confidential information. This can be an important part of the job, so it’s helpful to show that you understand how to keep information private and safe. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure confidentiality in your work.

Example: “I’ve worked with confidential information before when I was a social worker at my previous job. My supervisor gave me training on how to handle sensitive information, including who could access our files and how to protect them from unauthorized access. We also had security measures in place to prevent anyone from accessing our files without proper authorization. I feel confident that I can do the same here.”

8. We’re looking for someone who can be flexible, tell me about a time when you were able to change your plans at the last minute.

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your adaptability and flexibility. It’s important to show that you’re willing to change plans when necessary, but also how you go about doing so in an efficient way.

Example: “I once had to switch my schedule at the last minute because I was asked to cover for another employee who couldn’t make it to work. I made sure to communicate with my team members as soon as possible so they knew what to expect from me. I also worked with them to find a solution that would allow us all to complete our tasks while still meeting our deadlines.”

9. What makes you stand out from other candidates?

This question is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you have unique skills and abilities. You can answer this question by describing your most impressive skill or experience, but make sure it’s relevant to the job.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator who has worked with many different types of people in my previous role as a social worker. I also have extensive knowledge about state policies and procedures for human services. These two qualities helped me resolve conflicts between clients and their families while maintaining confidentiality.”

10. Why should we hire you over another candidate?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their department. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experience that make you an ideal candidate for the position.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this role because of my extensive knowledge of Oklahoma state laws regarding child welfare services. In my previous role as a social worker, I helped families navigate these laws and find resources when they needed them most. This experience has given me valuable insight into what works well in the system and what areas could use improvement.”

11. Who has been your greatest mentor or teacher?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what kind of person you are. It also helps them determine if you would be a good mentor or teacher yourself. When answering this question, try to think of someone who has helped you grow as a person or professional.

Example: “My greatest mentor is my mother. She was always there for me when I needed her, and she taught me how to be compassionate and empathetic toward others. She’s been an inspiration in my life, and I hope to be like her one day.”

12. How well do you handle conflict?

Human services professionals often work with people who are experiencing conflict. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary to help clients resolve their conflicts peacefully. In your answer, explain how you use active listening and problem-solving techniques to help clients find solutions to their problems.

Example: “I believe that it’s important for human services professionals to be empathetic when working with clients. I try to listen carefully to what my clients say and actively show them that I care about their situation. When a client is in conflict, I try to understand both sides of the issue. Then, I help the client come up with a solution that works for everyone involved.”

13. In your opinion, what are the qualities that make up a good manager?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities they look for in a manager. When answering, it can be helpful to mention skills that are relevant to your role as an HR specialist and how those skills make you a good manager.

Example: “A good manager is someone who is organized, empathetic and has strong communication skills. I think these three qualities are important because they allow me to effectively manage my team and ensure everyone’s needs are met. For example, when hiring new employees, I would use empathy to understand what their goals are and find ways to support them. Strong communication skills also help me communicate with my team members about any changes or updates.”

14. Can you recall a situation where you had to deal with a difficult coworker, how did you handle it?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. This is because working in human services often requires you to collaborate with other employees, such as social workers or case managers. Your answer should show that you can be a team player and have the necessary communication skills to resolve conflicts with coworkers.

Example: “I once had a coworker who was very critical of my work. I tried to ignore her comments at first but eventually decided to talk to her about it. She apologized for her behavior and promised to do better. We then developed a system where we would give each other feedback on our work so that we could improve together.”

15. What is one thing you wish you could improve upon?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are self-aware and willing to improve. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something you would like to work on but also explain how you plan to do so.

Example: “I wish I could improve my time management skills. In the past, I have had trouble managing my time well enough to meet all of my deadlines. However, I am currently working with a career coach who has helped me develop better time management habits. She suggested I use a calendar app to help keep track of my daily tasks and appointments. This has really helped me stay organized and manage my time more effectively.”

16. What has been the biggest challenge in your life so far?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and values. It also helps employers determine if you are able to overcome challenges in your life. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about a specific challenge that helped you grow as a person.

Example: “The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far was when my father passed away from cancer when I was in high school. He was always there for me growing up, so losing him was difficult. However, he taught me how to be strong and independent, which has helped me through many of my life experiences.”

17. What do you think is the hardest part of being a case worker?

This question is a great way to see how the interviewer views their role. It also gives you an opportunity to show your understanding of what it’s like to work in this field. When answering, try to be as honest and empathetic as possible.

Example: “The hardest part of being a case worker is when I have to tell someone that we can’t help them. Sometimes there are situations where we just don’t have the resources or funding to provide assistance. In these cases, I always do my best to refer them to other organizations that may be able to help.”

18. How do you feel about working long hours?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your commitment level. If you are applying for a position that requires long hours, it’s important to be honest about your willingness to work those hours.

Example: “I am willing to work long hours if necessary. I understand that sometimes there are emergencies and we need to stay late or come in early. However, I also believe in taking time off when needed. For example, I would never call out of work unless I was sick or had an emergency situation.”

19. Are you comfortable working with people with mental illnesses?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with people who are mentally ill. This can be a common issue for many families, and the interviewer wants to make sure that you’re comfortable helping them navigate the system. In your answer, try to show that you understand what it’s like to work with someone who has mental illness and how you would help them through the process.

Example: “I’ve worked with several clients who had mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety. I find that these types of cases are often more complex than others because there is no clear solution. Instead, we need to focus on finding ways to improve their quality of life. For example, in one case, I helped a client apply for SSI benefits after they were denied twice. We spent months gathering evidence and filling out paperwork until they finally got approved.”

20. What kind of support system do you have outside of work?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have a strong support system of friends and family who can help you succeed in this role. You should answer honestly about the people in your life, including how they’ve helped you in the past and what kind of support you expect them to provide if you’re hired for this position.

Example: “I have a very close-knit group of friends who I’ve known since high school. We all moved away from our hometown after graduation, but we still try to get together at least once a year. They are always there to listen when I need advice or just someone to vent to. My parents live nearby, so I call on them often for advice as well.”