The Child Welfare Investigative Specialist primarily investigates criminal conduct reports with allegations of felony child abuse and / or neglect, which may have resulted in serious injury, or death of a child. This position conducts home visits, and documents interviews, testifies in court, assists and trains staff in the navigation of a variety of registries and inter-agency databases. Under supervision, with latitude for independent action and decision-making, the Child Welfare Investigative Specialist is assigned to an OCWI unit. The Child Welfare Investigative Specialist adheres to county specific joint investigation protocol throughout the investigation.
Job Duties :
- Assesses, responds to and investigates criminal conduct reports, in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders, generated by the Child Abuse Hotline
- Conducts interviews, collects documents and records interactions in the Statewide Automated - Child Welfare Information Systems
- Testifies in court regarding child welfare investigations
- Assists on cases involving allegations of child abuse resulting in serious injury or death; provides assistance related to strategies and techniques used when performing sensitive investigations of child abuse and neglect
- Attends a variety of meetings to include high profile staffing
- Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :
Knowledge of :
Arizona Law related to Special Victims, Forensics, Homicide, Domestic Violence, Missing Persons or a closely related law enforcement unitMulti-disciplinary approach, including Child and Family Advocacy CentersChild Welfare practicesPolicy pertaining to abuse and neglect of childrenConducting high profile, complex and sensitive investigationsSkill in :
Working with public relationsConducting interviews with children and family membersTraining investigative techniques and approaching families and childrenIdentifying criminal or neglect and abuse in an investigationsStrong verbal and written communicationPreparing reportsWorking with diverse groups and individualsAbility to :
Conduct a high profile, complex and sensitive investigationsIdentify and analyze highly confidential situations and resolveTestify in courtDocument investigationsRecognize issues / concerns at the inception of and take appropriate actionShare and enhance the understanding of investigative techniquesDemonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolutionTravel In-StatePre-Employment Requirements :
2 years Law enforcement / Detective / Investigative experience specializing in crimes against children and sex crimes; OR18 months of experience as an Investigative DCS Specialist with AZ Department of Child Safety OR any Child Safety State AgencyEmployment is contingent on the selected applicant passing an extensive background investigation through State and Federal agencies. In-State travel is required. Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207 .12.). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage may be reimbursed.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply : Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits :
Paid sick leavePaid annual leaveTen paid holidays per calendar yearHealth, dental and vision insuranceFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings AccountArizona State Retirement System Savings (ASRS)Employee and Dependent Life insuranceLong-term and short-term disability insuranceDeferred compensation plansWellness incentive programEmployee discount program for higher education, products and servicesEducation Savings – AZ529Employee Assistance ProgramBi-Lingual Stipend
DCS offers a Bi-Lingual Stipend to all interested and eligible DCS Employees who successfully complete a language proficiency exam. Qualifying employees will receive a $500 annual stipend paid in equal increments.
If you’re good at what you do, you can work anywhere. If you’re the best at what you do, come work at DCS!