CHILD WELFARE INVESTIGATOR-PINAL COUNTY/EAST VALLEY

Arizona Department of Administration • Apache Junction, AZ

2d

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Child Safety is hiring a Child Welfare Investigative Specialist for the Office of Child Welfare Investigations in Pinal County/East Valley. The role leads investigations into serious allegations of child abuse or neglect, including cases involving serious injury or death. The investigator conducts home visits and interviews, works with families and internal and external stakeholders, partners with law enforcement, and documents findings to support child safety. Investigations follow county joint-investigation protocols and may be unusually difficult or confrontational. The role involves independent judgment while working within an OCWI unit.

The investigator prepares reports and records information in the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System, testifies in court, and participates in meetings as dictated by the case and business needs. In-state travel is required. The position requires driving or using a vehicle to conduct state business.

Requirements

• Eighteen months of law enforcement experience and/or eighteen months of experience as an Investigative DCS Specialist with the Arizona Department of Child Safety or another state child safety agency.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card and clearance of the DCS Central Registry.
• Pass an extensive background investigation through state and federal agencies.
• Meet the stated driver’s license requirements because driving or use of a vehicle is an essential job function.
• Ability to travel in-state.
• Knowledge of Arizona law related to special victims, forensics, homicide, domestic violence, missing persons, or a closely related law enforcement unit.
• Knowledge of multidisciplinary approaches, including Child and Family Advocacy Centers; child welfare practices; policies concerning child abuse and neglect; and high-profile, complex, and sensitive investigations.
• Skill in working with public relations; interviewing children and family members; training investigative techniques and approaching families and children; identifying criminal conduct, neglect, and abuse; communicating verbally and in writing; preparing reports; and working with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to conduct high-profile, complex, and sensitive investigations; identify and analyze highly confidential situations and resolve them; testify in court; document investigations; recognize concerns at the outset and take appropriate action; share and enhance understanding of investigative techniques; demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution; and maintain a high level of self-direction and responsibility.
• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• Eighteen months of law enforcement, detective, or investigative experience specializing in crimes against children and sex crimes.

Responsibilities

• Assess, respond to, and conduct investigations with internal and external stakeholders into allegations of criminal conduct, child abuse, or criminal neglect resulting in serious injury or death of a child.
• Accompany Department of Child Safety Specialists on investigations that may be unusually difficult or confrontational.
• Conduct and document interviews.
• Prepare reports for management and enter information into the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System.
• Testify in court regarding OCWI investigations.
• Attend unit meetings, high-profile staffing, multidisciplinary meetings, Team Decision Meetings, and fatality review meetings as required by case and business needs.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation accrual of 4 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years.
• Sick time accrual of 3 hours and 42 minutes bi-weekly.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System, with enrollment eligibility effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• Option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, subject to management approval and discretion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed