Maricopa County

Hourly Salary: $29.0866

Grade: 20; Open Until Filled; Applications Reviewed Daily

The Child Welfare Investigative Specialist primarily investigates criminal conduct reports with allegations of felony child abuse and/or neglect which may have resulted in serious injury or death of a child. This position conducts home visits and documents interviews testifies in court assists and trains staff in the navigation of a variety of registries and inter-agency databases. Under supervision with latitude for independent action and decision-making the Child Welfare Investigative Specialist is assigned to an OCWI unit. The Child Welfare Investigative Specialist adheres to county specific joint investigation protocol throughout the investigation.

Assesses responds to and investigates criminal conduct reports in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders generated by the Child Abuse Hotline
Conducts interviews collects documents and records interactions in the Statewide Automated - Child Welfare Information Systems
Testifies in court regarding child welfare investigations
Assists on cases involving allegations of child abuse resulting in serious injury or death; provides assistance related to strategies and techniques used when performing sensitive investigations of child abuse and neglect
Attends a variety of meetings to include high profile staffing
Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment

Knowledge of:
Arizona Law related to Special Victims Forensics Homicide Domestic Violence Missing Persons or a closely related law enforcement unit
Multi-disciplinary approach including Child and Family Advocacy Centers
Child Welfare practices
Policy pertaining to abuse and neglect of children
Conducting high profile complex and sensitive investigations
Skill in:
Working with public relations
Conducting interviews with children and family members
Training investigative techniques and approaching families and children
Identifying criminal or neglect and abuse in an investigations
Strong verbal and written communication
Preparing reports
Working with diverse groups and individuals
Ability to:
Conduct a high profile complex and sensitive investigations
Identify and analyze highly confidential situations and resolve
Testify in court
Document investigations
Recognize issues/concerns at the inception of and take appropriate action
Share and enhance the understanding of investigative techniques
Demonstrate critical thinking problem solving conflict resolution
Travel In-State

2 years Law enforcement/Detective/Investigative experience specializing in crimes against children and sex crimes; OR
18 months of experience as an Investigative DCS Specialist with AZ Department of Child Safety OR any Child Safety State Agency

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing an extensive background investigation through State and Federal -State travel is required. Requires possession of and ability to retain a current valid state-issued drivers license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers license record checks must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R.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 may be reimbursed.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card

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 (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
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.

If youre good at what you do you can work anywhere. If youre the best at what you do come work at DCS!

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).ASRS participation may begin immediately (if you were a previous member) or upon your 27th week of employment (if you have never been an ASRS member previously).

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting or by email at . 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 or by email at . The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.