What a CPS agent job looks like

May 14, 2013

Department of Economic Security
Position Title: Child Welfare Investigative Specialist - Tucson, AZ
Position Type: Civilian
Closing Date: 5/24/2013
Job Description
Child Welfare Investigative Specialist
Division of Children, Youth and Families

The position will respond to and investigate cases which involve criminal conduct allegations of physical abuse or sexual abuse of Arizona's children. The cases will most likely involve complex investigations into child fatality, sex crimes, cases involving serious physical injury to a child, and any other case designated high risk.

Investigators will conduct training for child protective services staff related to the techniques and strategies necessary for performance of sensitive investigations into allegations of child abuse and neglect, including observation, conducting interviews, detecting signs of child abuse and neglect, interrogations, forensics and collecting evidence and other documentation; conduct and document interviews with children, family members, neighbors, school officials and other community members, which necessary; testify in court regarding Child Protective Services investigations; assist and train Child Protective Services staff in the navigation of interagency databases.

Position will require knowledge of safety plans, in-home and out of home dependency actions.
Position will require availability for after-hours and weekend response.

This position is non-sworn.

Additional Information
Knowledge of: 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; child welfare practices; policy pertaining to abuse and neglect of children; conducting high profile, complex and sensitive investigations.

Skill in: working with the public-public relations; conducting interviews with children and family members; training investigative techniques and approaches with families and children; identifying criminal or neglect and abuse in an investigation; verbal and written communication; preparing reports; working with diverse groups and individuals; training staff in investigative techniques.

Ability to: conduct a high profile, complex and sensitive investigations; identify and analyze highly confrontational situations and resolve; testify in court; document investigations; recognize issues/concerns at the inception and take appropriate action; share and enhance the understanding of investigative techniques; demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution.

SPECIAL SELECTION FACTOR: At the time of appointment, candidates must possess a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of Arizona. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment. Must comply with the Fingerprint requirements of Section 41-1968

Job Requirements
Age 18
Education High School
Experience at least 3 years
Additional Requirement :

NOTE: Applicants for this position will be required to apply for and show proof of receipt of a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 12 days’ sick leave, 13 days’ vacation, 10 paid holidays per year, health and dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance. Optional employee benefits include short-term disability, deferred compensation, and supplemental life insurance. Note: Elective benefits for new employees will be subject to a 90 day waiting period.

Employees must participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.

All newly hired employees are subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification Program.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Human Resources Administration at (602) 771-2870. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

Salary Information
Entry Level Salary: $36,814   annual
Top Pay: $62,693   annual