CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT (EXAM #7392)

State of careers Rhode Island • Meriden, CT

9d • $73,601 - $85,209

About The Position

The Child Protective Investigator receives, screens, evaluates, investigates, and assesses child safety in response to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect. The investigator takes necessary steps to ensure children’s safety and well-being and completes related work. The position works under the general supervision of a superior, with some latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Investigations are monitored during the process and reviewed upon completion through reports and conferences. As required, the investigator may supervise clerical and data-entry staff assigned to assist.

The role involves receiving calls, conducting phone interviews, reviewing records, documenting referrals, and determining the disposition of reports to the Child Abuse Hotline. Investigators engage with children, families, community partners, and other participants through field visits, correspondence, and phone contact; assess information to make child-safety decisions; develop safety plans when appropriate; and make referrals to community services. The position also collaborates with medical personnel, schools, service providers, law enforcement, the Rhode Island Courts, DCYF divisions, and other state agencies. Investigators prepare documents for Family Court and law enforcement and may testify in court.

The position requires managing high-risk situations and may include shift assignments at night and on weekends. Applicants must hold a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and are subject to background clearances. Appointment requires passing the Civil Service Examination before being offered an interview. The examination is 100% written, and the resulting civil service list may remain in effect for up to four years.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.
• Two to three years of full-time employment in a private or public human-services agency in casework, assessing and working with families, and providing direct community services related to child welfare, child safety, and child well-being.
• Strong engagement, interviewing, and assessment skills to gather critical information from children, families, and other sources.
• Ability to de-escalate situations and communicate clearly with children, families, supervisors, Family Court, and other stakeholders.
• Strong writing skills to document investigative findings, assessments, and court documents.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, remain flexible, and manage unanticipated emergencies.
• Knowledge of child development and behavioral health and disorders, including substance use disorders and domestic violence.
• Familiarity with social-work principles, practices, and techniques, including child welfare and child protection.
• Familiarity with community services and systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of investigations.
• Computer, internet, and data-entry experience and skills, including searching databases and entering case notes.
• Ability to accept and seek direction, identify critical information, and accurately share information with supervisors.
• Experience, knowledge, and sensitivity related to diverse populations, cultural competency, and race equity.
• Ability to manage high-risk situations effectively and work independently.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license, which must be maintained.
• Subject to background clearances.
• Must submit an application and pass the Civil Service Examination before being offered an interview; the examination is 100% written and the minimum required final earned rating is 70.

Responsibilities

• Receive, screen, evaluate, investigate, and assess child safety in response to reports alleging child abuse or neglect.
• Take necessary steps to ensure child safety and well-being.
• Receive calls, conduct phone interviews, review records, and apply criteria to determine the disposition of CPS reports to the Child Abuse Hotline.
• Document referrals and complaints in accordance with DCYF policies and procedures.
• Engage children, families, community partners, and others through face-to-face field contact, written correspondence, and phone contact to gather information.
• Interview families, providers, and collateral participants to gather critical information.
• Apply gathered information to make accurate determinations about child safety and well-being.
• Develop viable safety plans with families and their supports when appropriate to mitigate identified safety threats.
• Refer families to community-based prevention and other community services as needed.
• Identify behavioral changes needed to achieve child safety and well-being and make appropriate referrals.
• Collaborate with medical personnel, schools, community service providers, law enforcement, Rhode Island Courts, other DCYF divisions, and other state agencies.
• Prepare documents for submission to Rhode Island Family Court and law enforcement.
• Provide testimony before the Court in support of safety decisions and findings.
• Maintain confidentiality of investigations and document investigative findings, assessments, and court documents.
• As required, supervise clerical and data-entry staff assigned to assist.

Benefits

• Information about benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees is provided through the Office of Employee Benefits website; specific benefits are not listed in the announcement.
• Employees hired after September 30, 2014 are required to participate in direct deposit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level