Institutional Investigator

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Institutional Investigator researches and investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect in institutional settings, including daycare centers, detention centers, schools, and residential facilities. The role requires significant daily travel within approximately 70 miles of the assigned Department of Child Services office; mileage is reimbursed. The investigator works independently, manages time effectively, builds positive relationships with people involved in investigations, uses critical thinking to assess and analyze issues, applies assessment tools and procedures, and communicates clearly in writing. Prior experience with assessment tools and procedures is a plus. The position is with the Indiana Department of Child Services, which supports children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services focused on family support and preservation. Its work includes pursuing permanency through reunification, guardianship, and adoption, as well as foster care, child support, and transitional support for people adjusting to adulthood. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Requirements

Meet one of the following credential and experience pathways: a bachelor's degree; an associate degree and at least two years of human services job experience; 30 college credit hours from an accredited institution and at least four years of human services job experience; or at least five years of human services job experience.
Have advanced knowledge of social work, casework, sociology, and group and individual counseling principles and practices, including new treatment methods and theories.
Have thorough knowledge of state and/or federal laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards affecting child protection services, foster care, family preservation, and adoption.
Have thorough knowledge of related social services programs and the ability to coordinate work among programs.
Have specialized knowledge of how behavioral sciences interrelate in the care and treatment of clients and the objectives of social work projects.
Be able to investigate and interview alleged victims and perpetrators of child abuse or neglect appropriately and effectively.
Be able to formulate and monitor project guidelines or treatment plans.
Be able to prepare clear, accurate reports.
Be able to work sensitively with families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and account for differences in child-rearing practices, relationships, and needs.
Be able to work with children with special needs, including mental or emotional conditions, their foster families or prospective homes, and professionals who provide appropriate services.
Be able to exercise sound judgment while managing crises, including situations involving confrontational or aggressive adults being investigated for child abuse or neglect.
Be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with assessment tools and procedures.

Responsibilities

Investigate reported incidents of child abuse, neglect, or dependency; determine whether incidents are substantiated; and recommend disposition to a Juvenile Court or County Director.
Assess the risk of additional injury or harm to a child, determine whether the child is in imminent danger, and, when warranted, remove the child from the family and place the child in a protected environment.
Perform needs assessments to determine treatment options for families and children reported to be abused or neglected.
Testify; prepare pre-dispositional and progress reports; maintain case files; and develop briefing reports for the community child protection team.
Develop informal adjustment plans with families and children to divert children from the juvenile justice system.
Develop case plans to help families and children become more self-sufficient in a safe and nurturing environment and to ensure a permanent home for the child.
Develop discharge and transition programming to help families and children attain and maintain self-sufficiency in a safe environment.
Monitor and assess treatment programs' and providers' service capabilities to ensure consistency with the case plan.
Accept on-call responsibility as needed to receive and investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect.
Conduct home studies and family histories and recommend adoption placements to an adoption team.
Visit children in out-of-home placements to coordinate family reunification, adoption, or independent living efforts.
Maintain data to help management evaluate trends in family and child needs.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, as well as vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave for eligible employees, up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers, up to 15 hours of paid community service leave, a combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays (14 in election years).
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.