3 Craig or Juneau (PCN 063862)

State of Alaska•See Recruitment Details, AK

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The State of Alaska’s Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children’s Services (OCS), is hiring a full-time, flexibly staffed Protective Services Specialist 1/2/3 based in Craig or Juneau, Alaska. This position is open to Alaska residents only. The selected candidate’s level will depend on their demonstrated competencies, training, and experience; employees hired at a lower level may advance after completing training and demonstrating competency. The specialist provides child protection services in Family Services, Investigations and Assessment, or as a generalist covering both. This case-carrying role includes assessing reports of child abuse or neglect, working with families and partners to develop child-safety plans, arranging out-of-home placements when needed, providing ongoing or in-home services, and preparing reports for court. The role also involves frequent contact with parents and caregivers, referrals to service providers, and collaboration with Tribal and community partners. The position is based in either the Craig or Juneau Field Office and provides region-wide coverage across Southeast Alaska. Craig-based staff travel as needed, primarily to Craig and other Southeast communities and regional field offices; travel is typically day trips and occasional overnights. Juneau-based staff typically spend two weeks each month in the office and two weeks traveling. Travel can range from day trips to a week or longer, may include overnight stays, and can involve small aircraft or other transportation. Travel frequency varies with regional needs. This is a field-based role that also includes independent office work, school or resource-family visits, and virtual or in-person court attendance. Staff may work evenings, weekends, and after hours, participate in on-call coverage, and work overtime when necessary. OCS employees are considered essential and may be expected to work during pandemics and other natural disasters. Part-time telework within the duty station may be available to eligible employees. OCS’s mission is to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children by strengthening families, engaging communities, and partnering with Tribes. The agency describes its workplace as committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, safety, well-being, and respectful treatment. The first 12 months are probationary and considered a training period, with formal virtual training and on-the-job training from supervisors and colleagues. A valid Real ID Alaska driver’s license is required. A child protective history check, background check, and fingerprinting will be conducted; multiple training courses may be held in Anchorage. Relocation reimbursement may be provided by the State of Alaska.

Requirements

Possess competencies in analytical thinking/problem solving, customer service, integrity/honesty, interpersonal skills, oral communication, writing, and technical credibility, gained through an appropriate combination of education and/or experience.
Competencies may be gained through training in social science, behavioral science, health science, guidance and counseling, or a closely related field; and/or progressively responsible professional experience in social services, health care, legal services, case management, licensing, probation services, or care or services for delinquent juveniles.
Provide documentation in the application demonstrating the minimum required competencies through work history, volunteer experience, training, education, licenses, or certifications.
Valid Real ID Alaska driver’s license.
Complete the application’s supplemental questions and provide references who can attest to work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.
Provide at least three professional references, including at least one current or former direct supervisor.
Provide transcripts when education is used to meet minimum qualifications or competencies; transcripts may be unofficial but must identify the institution.
Alaska residency is required.
Pass the required child protective history check, background check, and fingerprint check.
Maintain current automotive insurance before using a personal vehicle for State business.

Nice To Haves

The posting expresses interest in candidates with stress tolerance, self-management, and teamwork competencies.
Experience or training that supports the competencies relevant to child protection and family services.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of child abuse and/or neglect.
Gather information about family dynamics and functionality.
Develop intervention plans by seeking cooperation from families and others.
Create plans to ensure child safety while helping parents address diminished protective factors.
Place children outside the home with relatives or in licensed foster homes when necessary.
Provide ongoing and/or in-home services to families.
Prepare and submit reports to the court.
Work closely with Tribal and community partners.
Maintain frequent face-to-face and telephone contact with parents and caregivers of children in custody.
Refer families to other service providers and agencies.
Provide child protection services in Family Services, Investigations and Assessment, or as a generalist covering both.
Provide regional coverage and travel to communities and field offices across Southeast Alaska as needed.
Participate in after-hours and on-call work, including evenings and weekends, and work overtime when necessary.
Attend court virtually or in person and conduct caseworker visits at schools or in resource-family homes.