Protective Services Specialist 1/2 Juneau (PCN 063025)

State of Alaska•Juneau, AK

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS), is hiring a full-time Protective Services Specialist in Juneau, Alaska. The position is open to Alaska residents and is flexibly staffed at level 1 or 2, depending on the selected candidate’s demonstrated competencies and qualifications. The position is based in the Juneau Field Office and provides child protection services in a Family Services unit, an Investigations & Assessment unit, or as a generalist covering both. It is a case-carrying role serving communities in the Southeast region, which includes Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, and Craig. The specialist investigates reports of child abuse or neglect, gathers information about family dynamics, and develops intervention plans with families and others. The role includes planning for child safety, helping parents address diminished protective factors, arranging out-of-home placements with relatives or licensed foster homes when necessary, and providing ongoing or in-home family services. The specialist also prepares reports for the Court, works with Tribal and community partners, maintains frequent face-to-face and telephone contact with parents and caregivers of children in custody, and makes referrals to service providers and agencies. OCS's mission is to ensure children's safety, permanency, and well-being by strengthening families, engaging communities, and partnering with Tribes. The agency describes its culture as dedicated to inclusion, equity, respect, and the well-being of employees and the communities it serves. The first 12 months are a probationary training period with formal virtual training and on-the-job training from supervisors and colleagues. Part-time telework within the duty station may be available upon eligibility, although the role is field-based and involves community work. The position is based at the Juneau Field Office in the Mendenhall Valley. Work may include visits at schools or resource family homes, virtual and in-person court appearances, and independent work in an office setting. The agency works evenings and weekends as well as weekdays, and overtime and on-call work are expected. Travel varies with regional needs and may involve travel to villages or cities for placements or visits, small aircraft, and overnight stays. A valid Real ID Alaska driver's license is required. State vehicles may not always be available; mileage reimbursement is available for work-related use of a personal vehicle, which must have current automotive insurance. A child protective history check, background check, and fingerprint check are required. The successful candidate may need to attend training in Anchorage.

Requirements

Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the required competencies: analytical thinking/problem solving, customer service, integrity, interpersonal skills, oral communication, and writing.
Competencies may typically be gained through training in social science, behavioral science, health science, guidance and counseling, or a closely related field; and/or experience providing assistance, information, or referrals related to social services, health care, or legal services; case management, licensing, or probation services; or care or services to delinquent juveniles.
For the higher-level staffing criteria, progressively responsible professional experience in the listed service areas may provide the required competencies.
A valid Real ID Alaska driver's license is required.
A child protective history check, background check, and fingerprint check are required.
Applicants must complete the References section with contact information for at least three people who can attest to their work performance, technical skills, and competencies; one must be a current or former direct supervisor.
Transcripts are required when education is used to meet minimum qualifications or competencies, and must be provided with the application, at interview, or before appointment as specified in the posting.
Applicants must document qualifying work experience in the application and answer the supplemental questions.

Nice To Haves

The posting seeks candidates with some or all of these position-specific competencies: self-management, stress tolerance, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of child abuse and/or neglect.
Gather information about family dynamics and functionality.
Prepare intervention plans by seeking cooperation from families and others.
Develop plans to ensure child safety and help parents address diminished protective factors.
Arrange placement of children outside the home with a relative or licensed foster home when necessary.
Provide ongoing and/or in-home services to families.
Write 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.
Participate in caseworker visits at schools or resource family homes and attend court in person or virtually.
Travel as regional needs require, including for child placement or visitation.