DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully engage children and families to ensure safety strengthen families and achieve permanency. DCS has field office locations located throughout the state of Arizona with its central office located in Downtown Phoenix. DCS employs over 2800 employees who share the common vision of ensuring children thrive in family environments free from abuse and neglect.

Salary: Special entrance rate $22.5962 HOURLY

Grade: 17

Closing Date: 4/14/2025

This job announcement is only for applicants that are currently under CWEP contract and graduating in May of 2025

The job functions of a DCS Specialist include but are not limited to the following:
Assessing child safety and risk.
Conducting interviews and gathering information.
Making inandout of home contacts with families and children.
Attending Court hearings.
Preparing case plans and conducting case plan staffing.
Authoring professional reports and fillingout documentation.
Coordinating and monitoring services.
Placing children transporting children and moving a childs possessions when needed.
Managing cases throughout the respective county and assigned area.
Using a computer and the Departments Child Welfare Software Programs.

During the first 22 weeks of employment you will be classified as a DCS Specialist Trainee and will be in training full time.
Your training will be a mix of classroom and onthejob training.
Classroom training will take place at our Downtown Phoenix Learning and Development facility.
Hotel accommodations will be paid for and staff will be reimbursed at the State rate for meals and mileage if eligible.
The onthejob training will require you to report to a regional field office location.
It is important that staff complete the required training uninterrupted and as scheduled to ensure successful completion of the Learning and Development training tracks regionspecific trainings and acquisition of a CPR certification.

Investigative Specialist:
Investigate claims of child abuse and neglect and document all information assessed.
Interview and gather information in order to assess the family in order to determine if
abuse or neglect claim is substantiated.
Respond to crisis situations and explore options of child removal if warranted.
Explore placement options such as foster homes kinship homes or group homes when a child is removed.
Ongoing Specialist:
Assist families in achieving permanency through reunification guardianship adoption or the Young Adult Program.
Assess and facilitate services to assist families in making changes to protect and ensure their childrens safety.
Help families engage with community partners and contracted agencies to assist in achieving safety for their children.
Organize Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings to ensure all participants are aligned on the goal of helping the children.
Continuously document client activity to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Knowledge of:
Federal and State laws regulations and directives pertaining to DCS
Risk assessment practices and procedures
Supervisory techniques; personality development and adjustment
Foster care programs
Policies and procedures of court system
Resources available in the community
Policies and procedures established for the work system
Personal Computers; Microsoft Office Suite

Skill in:
Verbal and written communication
Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers
Time management and organization
Resolving problems related to work
Speaking to small or large groups; public speaking

Ability to:
Interview to elicit information

Must currently be under contact with the Child Welfare Education Program.
Employment is contingent on the CWEP applicant passing a background investigation.

Must provide BSW or MSW awarded transcripts within 30 days of graduation.

Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintain valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration

Must be able to secure and maintain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance card.

Must be able to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry or an out of state Central Registry if applicable.

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:Drivers License Requirements.

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

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.
Competitive health and dental insurance plans.
Life insurance and longterm disability insurance.
We also offer optional employee benefits that include:
Vision coverage.
Shortterm disability insurance.
Deferred compensation plans.
Supplemental life insurance.
Employee wellness plans

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

All DCS Specialist positions participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of State employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.