Children's Services/ICW - CPS Investigator

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

116d•Onsite

About The Position

The CPS Investigator conducts investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect of Indian children within the Puyallup Tribal jurisdiction, as mandated by the Child and Family Protection Code of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. The role makes decisions focused on the best interests of children and works with families, caseworkers, service providers, courts, law enforcement, and state or tribal partners to promote children’s safety and, where possible, maintain them safely in their family homes. The investigator gathers and documents information, assesses child safety, develops or monitors safety plans, coordinates placements when necessary, and prepares court filings, affidavits, testimony, and case summaries. The role requires prompt response to after-hours situations, adherence to statutory and court timelines, careful management of confidential records, and transportation of clients when needed. The position works 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, or holidays for crisis response. Work is primarily in an office setting with regular local travel and occasional travel using personal transportation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. in a related field or B.S.W.) from a four-year college or university.
Two years of experience in CPS investigations or direct social service experience; relevant internship hours in a social work setting may count as experience, and part-time experience is prorated.
Intermediate word-processing skills, including Microsoft Word.
Valid, unrestricted Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance, maintained throughout employment.
Current First Aid and CPR certification and HIV/AIDS training certificate, maintained throughout employment.
Pass Washington State DSHS criminal-history and CPS background inquiries every two years unless otherwise indicated.
Pass a tuberculosis test.
Availability to work nights and weekends.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business and professional publications, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write reports, correspondence, and procedure manuals; and present information and respond to questions.
Ability to perform calculations involving common mathematical concepts, including basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret technical instructions, and manage abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to operate a typewriter, personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile machine, and photocopier.
Ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English, concentrate, and produce accurate work.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, talking or hearing, handling objects, climbing or balancing, occasional sitting and kneeling or similar movements, and lifting up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Native American children and their families.
Experience interviewing children and families.
Knowledge and experience using spreadsheet applications, including Microsoft Excel.
Willingness to attend professional development training.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with assigned caseworkers and families to develop initial case plans.
Receive reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, conduct thorough investigations, and determine the nature of the allegations.
Create intake records and case notes and document all pertinent information.
Follow up promptly with the supervisor and initiate appropriate requested actions.
Provide active efforts throughout investigations to safely maintain children in their family homes.
Partner with DCYF or other tribal workers to complete investigations involving matters outside Puyallup reservation boundaries.
Complete safety assessments that may result in a safety plan, out-of-home placement, or dependency petition.
Develop safety plans with families when appropriate, monitor parents’ progress, and make referrals to identified service providers.
Coordinate out-of-home placements with law enforcement and/or the court when necessary, and identify placement resources and alternatives under the Child and Family Protection Code.
Prepare detailed, comprehensive, fact-based affidavits and court testimony; attend scheduled and emergency court proceedings; and stay informed of court proceedings.
Meet Child and Family Protection Code timeframes, including court filing deadlines.
Investigate allegations against foster parents in PTCS-licensed homes in coordination with the Licensing Division and Child Placing Agency Program Manager, and provide findings to relevant parties.
Respond promptly to after-hours CPS situations as needed.
Interview reporting parties, ask clarifying questions, obtain details, assess information, and document the information received.
Make appropriate collateral contacts during investigations.
Maintain current CPS investigation records, including case notes, court documents, collateral contacts, interviews, school and health records, police reports, available CPS history, and collected financial records.
Prepare and present case summaries to teams, supervisors, and the Puyallup Tribe Indian Child Welfare Act Committee when needed and applicable.
Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries with clients.
Prioritize workload according to client needs.
Transport clients to and from appointments as needed.
Complete required background clearances before placing a child in a home.
Adapt to changes in Tribal and State Children’s Services systems.
Follow the Child and Family Protection Code, including the duty to report child abuse and neglect.
Participate in departmental staff meetings, trainings, community outreach, and ongoing professional development, including cross-training and keeping up with child welfare practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.