Protective Services Specialist 1/2/3 Wasilla Rural (PCN 063194)

State of Alaska • Wasilla, AK

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for full-time Protective Service Specialist 1/2/3 in Wasilla, Alaska. This position is open to Alaska Residents Only. As a Protective Service Specialist (PSS), you will be responsible for Child Protection Services in the Family Services unit, the Investigations & Assessment unit, or as Generalist covering both. This case carrying position offers a range of duties, including investigating reports of child abuse and/or neglect, preparing plans for intervention by soliciting the cooperation of the family and others, and gathering information about family dynamics/functionality. A PSS will develop plans to ensure child safety while assisting parents in addressing their protective factors, may be placing children with a relative or licensed foster home when applicable, provide ongoing and/or in-home services to families, writing and submitting reports to Court, working closely with Tribal/Community Partners, frequent face-to-face and telephonic contact with parents and caregivers of children in custody with travel as required dependent on the client location and working On Call, on a rotation basis. Making referrals to other service providers and agencies. 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. The Office of Children's Services is dedicated to a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount. Employees all contribute to building a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully. Everything we do is underpinned by our Core Values.

Requirements

• Valid Real ID 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
• Competencies in Technical Credibility
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Some or all of the following position specific competencies: Stress Tolerance, Self-Management, Teamwork

Responsibilities

• Investigating reports of child abuse and/or neglect
• Preparing plans for intervention by soliciting the cooperation of the family and others
• Gathering information about family dynamics/functionality
• Developing plans to ensure child safety while assisting parents in addressing their protective factors
• Placing children with a relative or licensed foster home when applicable
• Providing ongoing and/or in-home services to families
• Writing and submitting reports to Court
• Working closely with Tribal/Community Partners
• Frequent face-to-face and telephonic contact with parents and caregivers of children in custody
• Making referrals to other service providers and agencies

Benefits

• Formal virtual training
• On-the-job training with supervisor and colleagues
• Part-time telework within the duty station is an option upon eligibility
• Per diem and accommodation paid for by the State if needed for travel
• Mileage reimbursement is available when a personal vehicle is used for work-related matters
• Relocation reimbursement costs may be provided by the State of Alaska

What This Job Offers

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