CPS Investigations & Assessments Senior Specialist

Introduction

Loudoun County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Job Summary

Lead Critical Response | Mentor Staff | Protect Children and Families
This is a mission-critical position requiring strong investigative judgment, supervisory readiness, and the ability to coach others in a fast-paced environment. The Senior CPS Investigation & Assessment Specialist serves as a senior-level lead worker, providing day-to-day technical guidance, case consultation, onboarding support, and staff training. This role also provides supervisory coverage as needed, including directing workflow, supporting case decisions, and ensuring continuity of operations in the supervisor’s absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex CPS investigations and family assessments involving urgent child safety concerns.
• Conduct forensic-quality interviews with children, parents, guardians, and collateral contacts.
• Assess danger, risk, and protective capacities using trauma-informed and strengths-based practices.
• Develop and monitor safety plans, service plans, and case recommendations.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and training to new and existing CPS staff.
• Serve in a leadership capacity during supervisor absences.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local policy requirements, including documentation timeliness and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate case records in state and local data systems.
• Respond to after-hours or emergency crisis situations as assigned.
• Support special projects, quality improvement efforts, and operational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, with major coursework in a Human Services field preferred, AND three (3) years of directly related experience in a human services area.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Handling high-risk or complex child welfare cases.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead others, coach peers, and function in a supervisory capacity.
  • Strong written documentation, courtroom readiness, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities.
  • Prior lead worker, acting supervisor, or formal supervisory experience.
  • Experience training new staff or facilitating learning sessions.
  • Court testimony experience.
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, child development, and family systems.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. Reasonable Accommodation Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at 703-777-0213 or email Human Resources.