Child Welfare Investigator-Pinal County/East Valley

Arizona Department of Administration • Casa Grande, AZ

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About The Position

The Arizona Department of Child Safety’s Office of Child Welfare Investigations is hiring a Child Welfare Investigative Specialist to investigate serious allegations of criminal child abuse or neglect, including cases resulting in serious injury or death. The role works within an OCWI unit, partners with internal and external stakeholders, and exercises independent judgment while following county joint-investigation protocols. Duties include conducting home visits and interviews, documenting findings, supporting child safety, and testifying about investigations. The position serves Pinal County/East Valley and requires in-state travel. Remote work may be available as a management option, either full-time or part-time; it is not an employee entitlement and may be discontinued at the agency’s discretion.

Requirements

• At least 18 months of law enforcement experience, and/or at least 18 months of experience as an Investigative DCS Specialist with the Arizona Department of Child Safety or another state child safety agency.
• Pass an extensive background investigation through state and federal agencies.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card and clearance of the DCS Central Registry.
• Meet driver’s license requirements; driving or using a vehicle is an essential job function.
• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (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.
• Skills in public relations, interviewing children and family members, training in investigative techniques and approaching families and children, identifying criminal conduct or child abuse and neglect, verbal and written communication, report preparation, 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 early and take appropriate action; share and enhance understanding of investigative techniques; demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution, and self-direction; and maintain responsibility.

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 allegations of criminal conduct involving child abuse or criminal neglect, in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders.
• 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 case staffing, multidisciplinary meetings, Team Decision Meetings, and fatality review meetings as case and business needs require.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment.
• Travel in-state.

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 accrued at 4 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years.
• Sick time accrued at 3 hours and 42 minutes bi-weekly.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), with enrollment eligibility effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• Optional remote work schedule, full-time or part-time, subject to management approval and agency discretion.

What This Job Offers

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