CHILD WELFARE INVESTIGATOR - MARICOPA COUNTY

About the role

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, 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 and adheres to county specific joint investigation protocol throughout the investigation.

Responsibilities

• Assess, respond to and investigate criminal conduct reports, in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders, generated by the Child Abuse Hotline
• Conduct interviews, collect documents and record interactions in the Statewide Automated - Child Welfare Information Systems
• Testify in court regarding child welfare investigations
• Assist on cases involving allegations of child abuse resulting in serious injury or death; provide assistance related to strategies and techniques used when performing sensitive investigations of child abuse and neglect
• Attend a variety of meetings to include high profile staffing
• Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of Arizona Law related to Special Victims, Forensics, Homicide, Domestic Violence, Missing Persons or a closely related law enforcement unit
• Knowledge of multi-disciplinary approach, including Child and Family Advocacy Centers
• Knowledge of child welfare practices and policy pertaining to abuse and neglect of children
• Skill in working with public relations, conducting interviews with children and family members, training investigative techniques and approaching families and children
• Ability to identify criminal or neglect and abuse in investigations, prepare reports, and work with diverse groups and individuals
• Ability to conduct high profile, complex and sensitive investigations, identify and analyze highly confidential situations and resolve issues
• Ability to testify in court, document investigations, recognize issues/concerns at the inception and take appropriate action
• Ability to share and enhance the understanding of investigative techniques, demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution

Requirements

• Eighteen (18) months of law enforcement experience; AND/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 agencies
• In-State travel is required
• 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
• Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; mileage may be reimbursed
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4:00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3:42 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)