3 Sitka or Juneau (PCN 069374)

State of Alaska•Juneau or Sitka, AK

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is currently under review as part of the Child Protection Services Study; therefore, the title and/or pay range currently assigned may be subject to change upon implementation of this class study. 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 Sitka, Alaska or Juneau, Alaska. The position is open to Alaska Residents. 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 position is based out of the Sitka Field Office or Juneau Field Office. The Southeast Regional Field Offices consist of Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, and Craig. If working out of the Sitka Field Office, incumbent would only travel as needed for coverage to the Southeast Regional Field Office locations. If working at the Juneau Field Office, incumbent in this position will typically work two weeks in the office (50%) and spend two weeks traveling (50%) each month. This case carrying positions offer 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, and 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. 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, on-the-job training with your supervisor, and with other colleagues. While this is a field-based position that involves working in the community, part-time telework within the duty station is an option upon eligibility.

Requirements

Competency Based minimum qualifications (MQs)
Competencies in Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Uses a logical, systematic, and sequential approach to address problems or opportunities or manage a situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
Competencies in Customer Service: Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
Competencies in Integrity: Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
Competencies in Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
Competencies in Oral Communication: Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Competencies in Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Competencies in Technical Credibility: Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise.
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.
Must possess a valid Real ID Alaska driver’s license.
Child protective history check will be performed per AS 12.62.160 and/or 13 AAC 68.315 including a background and fingerprint check.

Nice To Haves

Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).
Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

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