DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

Address:  PHOENIX, AZ 85015

Salary: $21.70;  Grade: 17;  Shifts Available are Tuesday - Saturday 7:30 -4:30 pm or 8 - 5 pm

Applications reviewed daily; open until filled

At the Arizona Department of Child Safety (“DCS”), we call ourselves "compassioneers" because everything we do is done with a compassionate heart. We work tirelessly to protect children, reunify families, ensure safe living environments and prevent unnecessary trauma. As an agency, we are proud to be a pillar of strength for our communities, and proud to do work each day that makes an impact on the world around us every day.

Becoming a Child Safety Specialist can be a life-changing event! If you have a passion to work with children and families, DCS is the place for you.

Together we can make a difference through service!


Step Increases
Child Safety Specialists are eligible for incremental pay increases as follows:

• Upon successful completion of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, 22 week CORE training program $22.59/hour
• One year of Arizona Department of Child Safety Specialist service $24.11/hour
• Two years of Arizona Department of Child Safety Specialist service $25.96/hour
• Three years of Arizona Department of Child Safety Specialist service $27.66/hour
  
  
  If you’re good at what you do, you can work anywhere. If you’re the best at what you do, come work at DCS!

• Evaluates incoming referrals and staffs with direct supervisor to select appropriate placement according to
  departmental and regional policies pertaining to child protective services.
• Reviews work products and analyzes facts obtained by field DCS specialists. Provides input on cases.
• Evaluates appropriateness of assessments and decisions made as well as intervention plans, case plans, progress, barriers, placement, services, visitation, etc. to ensure child safety and compliance with policy, procedures and statutes. 
• Responds/resolves problems and questions presented by customers, case participants, internal DCS staff,
  DCS/Department of Economic Security (DES) administration, mandated reporters and general public to address questions and concerns involving policy, procedures and issues related to specific cases.
• Attends staff meetings and participates in problem-solving/decision-making. Attends trainings, professional
  seminars, conferences and management meetings. Participates in work teams/groups and other meetings, as requested.
• Produces, utilizes and sends reports. Writes detailed reports summarizing activities or productions covering a
  specified period of time or marking the completion of a project.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited college or university-must provide awarded transcripts to confirm degree, OR four (4) years of experience as a DCS Case Aide

Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card 
                                                                                 
Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

During the first 22 weeks of employment required in person training in Midtown Phoenix involving overnight stays, if necessary, every other week. 
Selected candidates must be able to pass a written exam, background investigation, Motor Vehicle Report check and DCS Central Registry check.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

• Paid sick leave
• Paid annual leave
• Ten paid holidays per calendar year
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Arizona State Retirement System Savings (ASRS)
• Employee and Dependent Life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Deferred compensation plans
• Wellness incentive program
• Employee discount program for higher education, products and services
• Education Savings – AZ529
• Employee Assistance Program

Bi-Lingual Stipend
In an effort to better serve our communities, DCS offers a Bi-Lingual Stipend to all interested and eligible DCS Employees who successfully complete a language proficiency exam. Qualifying employees will receive a $500 annual stipend paid in equal increments.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

All Child Safety Specialist positions participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).  Enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of state employment.  ASRS is a defined benefit plan which means at retirement you are guaranteed a lifetime benefit that does not run out and can never be reduced!

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV.   Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.  Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov.  The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.