The Child Protection Specialist provides family-centered services within a trauma-informed system to assure safety, permanency, and wellbeing for children who are at risk of or have been subjected to child maltreatment. Responsibilities include but are not limited to conducting timely assessments of reports of child maltreatment, in accordance with requirements of state and federal statues and agency policy, using standardized safety assessment tools and decision-making guides. Documenting and communicating safety threats to all involved, including preparation of affidavits for District Court when necessary. Providing appropriate level of intervention to assure safety of all families in need of Child Protective Services (CPS); continuously reviews progress made by families to eliminate safety threats. Engaging families in the establishment of a permanency plan when needed and required, and assures plan follows order of placement preference as set forth in statue and policy. Assures child(ren) is evaluated and assessed to determine medical and psychological needs throughout the case. 

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity 

• Ability to make critical decisions, based on integration of information from multiple sources that my be discrepant, in high-stress situations.
• Ability to engage children and families, under difficult circumstances, to gather sufficient information to make accurate and precise decisions.
• Ability to identify problems, develop and implement solutions.
• Ability to communicate information both orally and in writing so others will understand.
• Meet minimum qualifications:
• Required bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or related degree.
• Two years of social services work experience, or directly related work experience, working with children and families in difficult and sometimes volatile situations.
• Other combinations of related experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Preferred:
• Experience working with tribal government entities and/or other organizations of native peoples.
• Knowledge of child development, child maltreatment prevention and treatment, and family centered social work practice.