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The position is responsible for responding and conducting high-profile, complex investigations related to allegations of criminal child abuse and neglect and training OCWI Investigative Specialists on similar cases.
- Assesses, responds to and conducts investigations in conjunction with internal/external stakeholders involving allegations of criminal conduct child abuse or criminal neglect of Arizona’s children which have resulted in serious injury or death of a child
- Conducts and documents interviews, prepares reports for management, makes entries into the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System, and testifies in court as needed
- Provides on the job and in the field coaching, mentoring, and support to newly hired Child Welfare Investigators
- Maintains sufficient and updated knowledge of related material/software in a rapidly changing environment, e.g., new and existing legislation, policies, procedures, and technological changes adopted by OCWI such that the expertise acquired enables accurate response to trainee inquires and the unique situations presented
- Conducts training for newly hired Child Welfare Investigators related to the techniques/strategies necessary to perform sensitive investigations including observations, conducing interviews, detecting signs of child abuse/neglect, interrogations, forensics, and collecting evidence and other documents
- Teaches and articulates to newly hired Child Welfare Investigators on how to effectively manage a caseload. Assists and trains staff in navigating a variety of registries and inter-agency databases
- May act as manager in the absence of OCWI Manager
Knowledge of:
- Principles of adult education, including learning style; and effective presentation techniques
- Group dynamics and effective communication approaches with groups
- Arizona Law related to special victims, forensics homicide, domestic violence, missing persons or a closely related law enforcement unit
- Multi-disciplinary approach, including Child and Family Advocacy Centers
- State's Children's Information Library and Data Source (Guardian) system, including ability to navigate and trouble shoot problems that arise
- Child Welfare practices
- Policy pertaining to abuse and neglect of children
- Conducting high profile, complex, and sensitive investigations
Skill in:
- Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, with trainees, teammates, colleagues, internal/external stakeholders, and all state management personnel
- Navigation of all relates areas of Guardian and trouble-shooting technological problems that arise with trainees
- Delivering training in a way that engages the trainee, conveys the concepts, and responds to questions that are asked
- Identifying criminal or neglect and abuse in an investigation
- Training investigative techniques and approaching families and children
- Articulating how to effectively manage a caseload
- Critical thinking, problem solving and conflict resolution
- Providing excellent customer service
Ability to:
- Learn new material rapidly, including delivery of training on new concepts, practices, laws and policies
- Translate complex laws, policies and procedures into everyday practice
- Effectively deliver training to a wide variety of audiences, with different backgrounds, personalities, and levels of expertise
- Learn new technologies and methods of training delivery as training practice evolves
- Conduct high profile, complex, and sensitive investigations
- Recognize/respond to issues/concerns, and take appropriate action
- Share an enhance the understanding of investigative techniques
- Effectively maintain an OCWI caseload
- Maintain a high level of self-direction, responsibility and professional conduct in all communications
- Set professional boundaries
- Develop expertise in content areas that are outside past experience
- Adhere to the perspective county joint investigation protocols in OCWI investigations
- Represent OCWI with a high level of knowledge and customer service
- At least six (6) months as an OCWI Investigator. Must have additional experience as a DCS Investigator, supervisor or in law enforcement as an investigator.
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 (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207 .12.). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage may be reimbursed.
The ability to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card; and the ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.
- Paid sick leave
- Paid annual leave
- Ten paid holidays per calendar year
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
- Arizona State Retirement System Savings (ASRS)
- Employee and Dependent Life insurance
- Long-term and short-term disability insurance
- Deferred compensation plans
- Wellness incentive program
- Employee discount program for higher education, products and services
- Education Savings – AZ529
- Employee Assistance Program
Bi-Lingual Stipend
DCS offers a Bi-Lingual Stipend to all interested and eligible DCS Employees who successfully complete a language proficiency exam. Qualifying employees will receive a $500 annual stipend paid in equal increments.
If you’re good at what you do, you can work anywhere. If you’re the best at what you do, come work at DCS!
For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-2903.
Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
