Protective Services Specialist 1/2 (Permanency Specialist PCN 063044)

About the role

This position is currently under review as part of the Child Protection Services Study; therefore, the title and/or pay range currently assigned may be subject to change upon implementation of this class study. This position will be filled at either the 1 or 2 level depending on the applicant's qualifications and job experience. It is recommended that you apply for all levels if you are qualified.

Responsibilities

• Completing diligent relative searches
• Requesting and reviewing child-specific records
• Assisting with the full disclosure process
• Assisting with the home study referral process
• Gathering necessary documents for adoption and guardianship packets
• Regular communication with legal parties, adoption/guardianship attorneys, and Tribes
• Writing home study updates
• Some primary casework responsibilities

Requirements

The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for full-time Protective Service Specialist 1/2 in Anchorage, Alaska. This position is open to Alaska Residents only. Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.

Qualifications

Protective Services Specialist 1: Equivalent to those typically gained by Training in a social science, behavioral science, health science, guidance and counseling, or a closely related field and/or experience providing assistance, information or referrals to the general public related to social services, health care, or legal services; in child, adult, family, or group case management, licensing, or probation services; or providing care or services to delinquent juveniles.

Protective Services Specialist 2: Equivalent to those typically gained by Training in a social science, behavioral science, health science, guidance and counseling, or a closely related field and/or progressively responsible professional experience providing assistance, information or referrals to the general public related to social services, health care, or legal services; in child, adult, family, or group case management, licensing, or probation services; or providing care or services to delinquent juveniles.

Skills

Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

Advocacy: Develops and presents the client’s, patient’s, and/or customer’s interests in all matters.

Human Services: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and practices used in the planning, design, and implementation of programs that provide a broad range of social supports to individuals and families.

Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).

Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

Benefits

• Insurance Benefits
• Retail Benefits
• Paid Leave
• Twelve paid holidays per year

Working Environment

The Office of Children's Services Anchorage Regional Office is located in mid-town Anchorage. The working environment will consist of a typical office setting as well as regular field work throughout the community. Some travel may be required. Travel in outlying areas may involve small aircraft and overnight stays. The Office of Children’s Services requires staff to work after hours and on-call. Overtime is also an expectation, when necessary, as PSS staff members are considered essential.

Special Note

All positions require a valid Alaska driver's license and successful completion of a background investigation, including fingerprinting and a criminal records check. Additionally, while the Division does have vehicles assigned to it, they may not always be available for staff use. Mileage reimbursement is available when a personal vehicle is used for work-related matters. Current automotive insurance must be in place prior to use of a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the State. For positions in this job class, a child protective history check will be performed per AS 12.62.160 and/or 13 AAC 68.315 including a background and fingerprint check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Department of Family and Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate and value the diversity of our employees, partners, and families we serve.