DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

1450 S. EASTSIDE LOOP
TUCSON, ARIZONA 85710

Salary: $29.1827 hourly/$60,700.0200 annual
Grade: 20
Closing Date: 12/31/2024

With the goal of providing protection and safety, this position provides support to the field and administration; researches and writes action inquiries on customer complaints; participates and serves in special work groups. As assigned, leads staff to complete missing findings, dispositions, and case notes from current reports/data; and arranges, conducts, and/or schedules staff training development opportunities.

- Supports Department of Child Safety (DCS) Program administrators and field staff by completing reviews on cases, reports, and complaints/grievances.
- Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; compares data from different sources to draw conclusions;
- Use effective approaches for choosing a course of action and/or developing appropriate solutions; and take action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable sequences.
- Compiles, prepares, and interprets data at the regional level; assists the Section Program Specialists in tracking as assigned, reviews cases and other materials; and prepares, evaluates, and interprets data/information from a variety of sources to assess and direct region staff to accomplish the agency’s goals for safety, permanency and well-being for children.
- Develop collaboration, service integration, and exchange of information among service providers and community groups involved in Child Welfare initiating and participating in collaborative meetings and community presentations.
- Coordinates regional projects in the area of program improvement and statewide initiatives.
- Communicates verbally and in writing with stakeholders, court, program specialists, management, other team members, co-workers, and the general public.
- Seeks input from team members to reach a consensus; and prepares required reports, letters, and other correspondence.
- Represents DCS by attending community meetings and conducting in-service community training in DCS policy and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:
- Federal and State laws, statutes, regulations, and directives governing DCS services
- Arizona's child safety model
- Group processes that lead diverse and multi-cultural groups toward resolution in an emotionally charged environment
- Traditional and non-traditional services
- Child welfare programs
- Strength-based, solution-focused, and family-centered practices
- Policies, laws, and best practice principles in Child Welfare

Skill in:
- Verbal and written communication
- Assessing risk, safety planning, and case planning
- Negotiation, collaboration, and conflict management
- Preserving families and promoting timely permanency
- Understanding of agency policies, laws, and best practice principles in child welfare

Ability to:
- Interpret and apply agency policies, procedures, rules and regulations
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, groups, and representatives of other organizations
- Explain to participants decision-making tools, agency policies, laws, court processes, etc
- Model professional interactions
- Provide leadership and guidance and share constructive feedback to ensure continual quality improvement
- Demonstrate commitment to the agency's mission values and core beliefs
- Open discussions effectively
- Clarify the current situation; remain open to all sides; stay focused on resolution; close discussion with clear summaries
- Use appropriate methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people
- Maintain confidentiality
- Travel in-state

Undergraduate degree in Social Work or related field with experience in computer science and statistical analysis; three years experience in a state social services agency including training and administrative experience. Experience with agency programs and compliance with state and federal requirements.

Master's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
OR
- Three (3) years of combined DCS Specialist Trainee / DCS Specialist experience
OR
- Three (3) years of combined DCS Specialist Trainee / DCS Specialist and Investigator Sr. experience.

Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)

Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage will be reimbursed.

The ability to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry

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).

As an employee of the Department of Child Safety you will be entitled to a comprehensive benefits package that can become effective as soon as two weeks after starting!
Benefits include:
- Paid sick leave.
- Paid vacation that includes ten (10) holidays per year.
- Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
- Competitive health and dental insurance plans.
- Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
We also offer optional employee benefits that include:
- Vision coverage.
- Short-term disability insurance.
- Deferred compensation plans.
- Supplemental life insurance.
- Employee wellness plans.

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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

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. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.