Child Protection Specialist

State of Kansas • Sedgwick, KS

61d

About The Position

The Kansas Department for Children and Families is hiring innovators and leaders. If you believe people have the capacity to progress, succeed, grow, and do well in life, you can discover your purpose here! Find more than just a job with DCF. You can be part of the growth and opportunity for our team to help serve the individuals and families in your community. Thrive With Us and find your career and purpose! The person in this position has access to protected health information (PHI) under the provisions of the Heath Information Portability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) Privacy Rule. PHI must be treated in accordance with the provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Regulation including the requirements for safeguarding, releasing and recording the release of such information. The person will receive training in the provision of the HIPAA Privacy Regulations as they relate to the duties of this position and has signed a confidentiality agreement. In addition to the tasks listed below, the incumbent is expected to communicate the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the agency to peers, clients and the public; identify personal strengths and developmental needs to increase job performance and long-term career growth. Continually analyze work processes, seek new approaches and make recommendations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Works in a harmonious and cooperative fashion with other staff to provide efficient and effective customer service. Uses free time as available to assist other staff in the completion of work assignments. Contributes to a positive work environment through a positive, helpful, courteous demeanor towards staff, clients, and the general public. Adheres to appropriate standards of conduct regarding the use of leave and reports to work on time.

Requirements

• Four-year degree in a Human Services or Behavioral Sciences field of study, or education determined relevant by the agency.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed Social Worker Master's in Professional Counseling (Licensed Professional Counselor)
• Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
• Licensed Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) professional as determined relevant by the agency.
• A minimum of 2-years of work experience in Children and Family Services.

Responsibilities

• Receives assigned reports of families where children are suspected of being in need of care, abused or neglected as defined in K.S.A. 38-2202, and establishes contact with one or more family members to assess child abuse and neglect allegations within the assigned time frame. Makes timely collaborative contact with schools, courts, multi-disciplinary teams, mental health, law enforcement, and other service providers to assess child safety per DCF regulation/policy.
• Conducts assessments of alleged abuse and neglect, completes and prepares a written assessment within the established time lines. Makes referral to law enforcement, court attorneys and the court as appropriate. Provides short term, intensive and preventative intervention. Assist the family in formulating a child safety plan and jointly develops a family case plan with family if services are needed. Maintains clear records of services provided and documents progress in meeting goals, including writing the basis for finding decisions.
• Prepares timely opening packet on children brought into custody by completing placement referrals, placement agreements, medical consents, with updates FACTS, and obtain current or emergency medical card.
• Actively participates in supervisor conferences and case consultation informing supervisor of significant case development and problems. Attends and participates in regularly scheduled unit meetings as well as group supervision within the unit meetings.
• Utilizes agency forms to provide complete and accurate referrals to the private contractor within contract guidelines. Assures that all appropriate paperwork and information is provided.
• Receives and reviews monthly reports, family case plans, child case plans, initial case plans from private contractors. Assures documentation reflects accurate descriptions of progress and is within guidelines outlined in agency contracts. Attends mandatory meetings, including 24/48 hour meetings and attends initial case plans and subsequent case plans only when the permanency goal changes.
• Provides written reports to court and necessary court hearings. Assists in preparation of Child in Need of Care petitions to be provided to the District Attorney and provide all supporting evidence within the time frames. Provides legal documentation and legal status changes to the private agency. Court testimony in Child in Need of Care cases in which custody is requested or given to DCF by the court as well as criminal cases in which the perpetrator of the abuse/neglect is charged.
• Responds in a positive, professional manner to clients, community and other professionals. Seeks to resolve differences in a positive manner and within DCF rules, policies, and regulations. Utilizes formal information training opportunities and professional readings to enhance knowledge and skills in family/assessment, intervention, leadership and teamwork. Completes all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health Insurance including medical, dental, vision (plus optional partner/dependent coverage at reduced cost)
• Creation of and contribution to your personal KPERS defined Retirement benefit
• 9-10 paid, annual holidays
• 12 paid, annual vacation days
• 12 paid, annual sick days
• 1 paid Discretionary Day
• Your personal life insurance policy equal to 150% of your starting salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees