CHILD ABUSE PROGRAM SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

Job Summary

The Child Abuse Program Supervisor/Expert oversees a team of investigators and caseworkers responsible for assessing and responding to child abuse and neglect cases. This role ensures compliance with Arkansas state laws, agency policies, and best practices in child welfare. The supervisor provides leadership, guidance, and training to staff while collaborating with external agencies to enhance child protection services.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assign supervisory duties based on hiring agency's operational needs.
• Serve as a senior technical expert in non-supervisory roles.
• Supervise child abuse investigations, ensuring thorough, timely, and legally compliant assessments.
• Provide guidance on case strategies, risk assessments, and intervention planning.
• Maintain compliance with state regulations, agency protocols, and ethical standards.
• Lead and support a team of child abuse investigators and caseworkers.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, legal representatives, medical professionals, and social services to facilitate investigations and interventions.
• Serve as the agency liaison for multi-disciplinary team meetings, child advocacy initiatives, and court proceedings.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, foster care providers, and victim advocacy groups to improve child safety services.
• Absorb and provide guidance on high-risk situations and immediate intervention measures.
• Assist in emergency child removal decisions in collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals.
• Ensure victims and families receive appropriate support services and resources.
• Maintain compliance with Arkansas child welfare laws, confidentiality regulations, and reporting standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance child protection services.
• Participate in state audits, program evaluations, and quality assurance initiatives.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to lead, coach, and develop a team of child welfare professionals.
• Strong decision-making skills in high-pressure and crisis situations.
• Expertise in child abuse investigations, forensic interviewing, and evidence analysis.
• Ability to evaluate risk factors and determine appropriate intervention strategies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including courtroom testimony preparation.
• Ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and build professional relationships.
• Skills in handling sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
• In-depth understanding of Arkansas child protection laws, family law, and confidentiality policies.
• Familiarity with court procedures, case law, and administrative regulations.
• Ability to assess emergencies, make swift decisions, and implement protective actions.
• Strong conflict resolution skills to handle complex family dynamics and high-stress cases.
• Ability to manage multiple investigations and supervise a team efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in child welfare investigations, social services, or law enforcement, or a related field, including at least one year in a leadership capacity.