Protective Services Specialist 1/2 (Permanency Specialist PCN 063044)

State of Alaska • Anchorage, AK

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position will be filled at either the 1 or 2 level depending on the applicant's qualifications and job experience. This position is open to Alaska Residents only. The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for full-time Protective Service Specialist 1/2 in Anchorage, Alaska. Under the direction of the Regional Permanency Specialist, these specialty positions focus on aspects of casework specific to achieving permanency for children in OCS custody. Duties may include completing diligent relative searches; requesting and reviewing child-specific records; assisting with the full disclosure process; assisting with the home study referral process; gathering necessary documents for adoption and guardianship packets; regular communication with legal parties, adoption/guardianship attorneys, and Tribes; writing home study updates; and some primary casework responsibilities. The Office of Children's Services strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully. The Mission of the Office of Children's Services is: Ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children by strengthening families, engaging communities, and partnering with Tribes. Everything we do is underpinned by our Core Values. This is an exciting time to join the Anchorage Permanency Team! Efforts are underway to develop and improve our processes for achieving appropriate timely permanency outcomes for children in OCS custody. This is an opportunity to support an important part of the agency’s mission while also developing further expertise in all aspects of permanency. The Office of Children's Services is committed to an organizational culture that values each team member. We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We celebrate and value the diversity of our employees, partners, and families we serve. Your first twelve months in the agency are probationary and considered a training period, with formal virtual training and on-the-job training with your supervisor and with other colleagues.

Requirements

• Valid Alaska driver's license
• Successful completion of a background investigation, including fingerprinting and a criminal records check
• Child protective history check will be performed per AS 12.62.160 and/or 13 AAC 68.315 including a background and fingerprint check
• Competencies in Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving
• Competencies in Customer Service
• Competencies in Integrity/Honesty
• Competencies in Interpersonal Skills
• Competencies in Oral Communication
• Competencies in Writing
• For Protective Services Specialist 1: Training in a social science, behavioral science, health science, guidance and counseling, or a closely related field and/or experience providing assistance, information or referrals to the general public related to social services, health care, or legal services; in child, adult, family, or group case management, licensing, or probation services; or providing care or services to delinquent juveniles.
• For Protective Services Specialist 2: Training in a social science, behavioral science, health science, guidance and counseling, or a closely related field and/or progressively responsible professional experience providing assistance, information or referrals to the general public related to social services, health care, or legal services; in child, adult, family, or group case management, licensing, or probation services; or providing care or services to delinquent juveniles.
• Must have current automotive insurance if using a personal vehicle for work-related matters.

Nice To Haves

• The level of the job offer will be based on the selected candidate’s credibly possessed and proven competencies. If hired at the lower level, you will be promoted to the higher level after completing the training plan and demonstrating competency in the work.

Responsibilities

• Completing diligent relative searches
• Requesting and reviewing child-specific records
• Assisting with the full disclosure process
• Assisting with the home study referral process
• Gathering necessary documents for adoption and guardianship packets
• Regular communication with legal parties, adoption/guardianship attorneys, and Tribes
• Writing home study updates
• Some primary casework responsibilities

Benefits

• Insurance Benefits
• Retirement Benefits
• Paid Leave
• Twelve paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

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