Child Welfare Investigator - Maricopa County

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Child Safety’s Office of Child Welfare Investigations is hiring a Child Welfare Investigative Specialist assigned to an OCWI unit in Maricopa County. The role primarily investigates criminal conduct reports alleging felony child abuse or neglect that may have resulted in serious injury or a child’s death. Under supervision, with latitude for independent action and decision-making, the specialist conducts home visits, interviews, and documentation; testifies in court; and assists and trains staff in using registries and inter-agency databases. The specialist follows county-specific joint investigation protocols and works with internal and external stakeholders. Employment is contingent on passing an extensive State and Federal background investigation. In-state travel is required. The employee must hold and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment and obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Employees driving on state business must maintain an acceptable driving record and complete required driver training. Use of personal transportation may be required; mileage may be reimbursed. Newly hired State employees must successfully complete E-Verify. The position participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package, including insurance plans, retirement and disability plans, paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick leave, deferred compensation, and wellness plans. Remote work may be available at management’s discretion; it is not an employee entitlement and an agreement may be ended by the agency.

Requirements

At least 18 months of law enforcement experience and/or 18 months of experience as an Investigative DCS Specialist with the Arizona Department of Child Safety or any state child safety agency.
Pass an extensive background investigation through State and Federal agencies.
Ability to travel in-state.
Possess and maintain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.
Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Maintain an acceptable driving record and complete required driver training when driving on state business.
Successfully complete E-Verify as a newly hired State employee.
Knowledge of Arizona law related to Special Victims, forensics, homicide, domestic violence, missing persons, or a closely related law enforcement unit; multidisciplinary approaches, including Child and Family Advocacy Centers; child welfare practices; and policies pertaining to child abuse and neglect.
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 in investigations; 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 issues or concerns at the outset and take appropriate action; share and enhance understanding of investigative techniques; demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution; and travel in-state.

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 investigate criminal conduct reports generated by the Child Abuse Hotline, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
Conduct interviews, collect documents, and record interactions in the Statewide Automated - Child Welfare Information Systems.
Testify in court regarding child welfare investigations.
Assist on cases involving allegations of child abuse resulting in serious injury or death, including providing assistance on strategies and techniques for sensitive investigations.
Attend meetings, including high-profile staffing meetings.
Assist and train staff in navigating registries and inter-agency databases.
Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment.