CWEP/CWTP Graduating Class 2026-DCS Specialist Trainee

The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency dedicated to ensuring children's safety and well-being. DCS operates across Arizona with its central office in Downtown Phoenix, employing over 2,800 professionals committed to fostering healthy family environments.

About the role

This recruitment is specifically for current CWEP/CWTP students graduating in August 2026. As a DCS Specialist Trainee, you will play a crucial role in assessing child safety, supporting families, and ensuring children live in safe, stable environments. Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing child safety and risk
• Conducting interviews and gathering information
• Making in-and-out-of-home contacts with families and children
• Attending court hearings
• Preparing case plans and conducting case plan staffing
• Authoring professional reports and filling-out documentation
• Coordinating and monitoring services
• Placing children, transporting children, and moving a child’s possessions when needed
• Managing cases throughout the respective county and assigned area
• Using a computer and DCS’s Child Welfare Software Programs

Training Program

Your first 22 weeks will be dedicated to full-time training, which includes:

• Classroom instruction at the DCS Learning and Development facility in Downtown Phoenix
• On-the-job training at an assigned regional office
• State-paid hotel accommodations, with meal and mileage reimbursement (if eligible)
• Completion of DCS learning tracks, regional training, and CPR certification

Successful completion of training is essential for continued employment.

Job Duties

Position duties include:

• Investigations: Responding to and documenting reports of suspected child abuse or neglect; interviewing individuals to assess family functioning and safety concerns; evaluating crisis situations; exploring foster, kinship, or group home placement options when necessary.
• Ongoing Support: Assisting families in achieving permanency through reunification, guardianship, adoption, or the Young Adult Program; facilitating access to community and contracted services; engaging families in Child and Family Team processes; maintaining accurate, timely documentation of all case activity.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Required knowledge includes federal and state regulations related to child safety, risk and safety assessment practices, foster care programs, community resources, court processes and expectations, computer systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Essential skills include effective verbal and written communication, building professional relationships, time management and organization, problem-solving and critical thinking, public speaking, conducting interviews that gather essential information, working collaboratively with diverse families and partners.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must currently be under contract with the Child Welfare Education Program (CWEP) or Child Welfare Training Program (CWTP) and graduating in May 2026
• Pass a background investigation
• Provide awarded BSW or MSW transcripts within 30 days of graduation
• Maintain personal transportation, valid driver’s license, and acceptable driving record, auto insurance, and Arizona registration (as required for state business travel)
• Maintain an Arizona DPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Maintain DCS Central Registry clearance (or out-of-state equivalent)
• 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: Driver’s License Requirements

Benefits

As a DCS employee, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 annual holidays
• Health and dental insurance options
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Optional benefits such as vision coverage, short-term disability, supplemental life, deferred compensation, and employee wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, visit our benefits page.

Retirement

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

Contact Us

Persons with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. For further questions regarding the interview process, contact a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.