DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully engage children and families to ensure safety, strengthen families, and achieve permanency. DCS has field office locations located throughout the state of Arizona, with its central office located in Downtown Phoenix. DCS employs over 2,800 employees who share the common vision of ensuring children thrive in family environments free from abuse and neglect.

Location:   Tucson, AZ 

Salary: $21.7068; Grade: 17; position closes 5/20/2024

Hours/Shift:  Tuesday -Saturday 8 am-5 pm

Under the general supervision of the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Program Supervisor, this position manages the work flow of placement referrals, to find appropriate placement for the children coming in to DCS custody, completes tracking logs, and support staff that engage in child safety services.

-Evaluates incoming referrals and staffs with direct supervisor to select appropriate placement according to departmental and regional policies pertaining to child protective services.

-Reviews work products and analyzes facts obtained by field DCS specialists. Provides input on cases. Evaluates appropriateness of assessments and decisions made as well as intervention plans, case plans, progress, barriers, placement, services, visitation, etc. to ensure child safety and compliance with policy, procedures and statutes.

-Responds/resolves problems and questions presented by customers, case participants, internal DCS staff, DCS/Department of Economic Security (DES) administration, mandated reporters and general public to address questions and concerns involving policy, procedures and issues related to specific cases.

-Attends staff meetings and participates in problem-solving/decision-making. Attends trainings, professional seminars, conferences and management meetings. Participates in work teams/groups and other meetings, as requested.

-Produces, utilizes and sends reports. Writes detailed reports summarizing activities or productions covering a specified period of time or marking the completion of a project.

-Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge of:

- Federal and state laws, regulations and directives governing child protective services
-Normal child development stages and milestones
-Potential effects of cultural differences on family dynamics
-Roles and responsibilities of court, law enforcement, hospitals, schools, mental health system, community agencies, and other child welfare professionals
- Physical and behavioral indicators of abuse, neglect, and mental health disturbances
-Crisis intervention protocol
-Conflict resolution techniques
-Statewide community resources
-Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Policies and procedures of Children's Information Library and Data Source (CHILDS) and automated systems
-Guardian

Skills in:

- Verbal and written communication
- Resolving problems
- Establishing and maintaining work relationships with children, their families and court representatives
-Delivering public speeches
-Communicating effectively while actively listening to others
-Typing at least 45 WPM
-Preparing accurate and detailed documentation of reported information

Ability to:

- Sit for long periods of time
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Work as a team member
- Prepare detailed documentation of client and professional contacts to ensure that records accurately convey reported information and minimize misinterpretation
-Accept responsibility for work product and outcomes
-Recognize indicators of abuse/neglect
-Work various shifts when needed
-Perform after hour duties

Applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree from a US Department of Education accredited college or
university and show awarded transcripts, OR have five (4) years of experience as a DCS Case Aide
• Successfully pass a writing exam and an oral interview
• Successfully clear background and employment reference checks
• Obtain a Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Have a valid Arizona driver license and clear a 39 month Motor Vehicle Report check (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12)
• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver license
• Provide valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration

Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record checks, required to maintain acceptable driving records and complete any required driver training

As an employee of the Department of Child Safety you will be entitled to a comprehensive benefits package that can become effective as soon as two weeks after starting!
Benefits include:
- Paid sick leave.
- Paid vacation that includes ten (10) holidays per year.
- Competitive health and dental insurance plans.
- Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

We also offer optional employee benefits that include:
- Vision coverage.
- Short-term disability insurance.
- Deferred compensation plans.
- Supplemental life insurance.
- Employee wellness plans

Bi-Lingual Stipend
In an effort to better serve our communities, 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.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

All Child Safety Specialist positions participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
Enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of state employment.
ASRS is a defined benefit plan which means at retirement you are guaranteed a lifetime benefit that does not run out and can never be reduced!

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.