DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

5800 W. GLENN DR.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301

Salary: $60,700.0200 annual/$29.1827 hourly
Grade: 20
Closing Date: 11/26/2024

Performs a variety of tasks in the day-today management of the region. Assists both the Program Administrator and the Program Manager with complaint calls, actions and suspense and supervises the administrative support staff.
DCS Program Specialist position require some overtime each week and possible outside Maricopa County; ability to work scheduled standby duty i.e. taking calls after regular business hours and resolving matters for families and authorities.

- Ensures that all regional actions, suspense, Level I and Level II grievances are assigned and completed by due date with professional written responses. Keeps Program Administrator appraised of trends with field practice, behavior or performance concerns through this process.

- Manage and participate in high level projects across the region, delegate project assignments to Program Managers and/or staff as appropriate and ensure projects are completed timely.

- Assists in Human Resources Operations and provides guidance and support as needed. Researches confidential employee relation issues and advises program Administrator of findings and assists in the preparation of paperwork for submission to Employee Relations.

- Attends meetings on behalf of or with the Program Administrator, Assists with Regional management meetings, quarterly supervision meetings, and serves as the lead for all regional leadership meetings, agendas, speakers etc., as required and/or requested by the Program Administrator. Maintaining collaborative relationships in the community.

- Prepares a variety of written communications. Assist with the formulation of
regional communication and messaging strategies. Coordinates contact with community stakeholders/ customers and field staff and monitors compliance with follow up actions.

- Reviews processes and implements process improvement solutions utilizing lean principles, problem solving process, action planning and monitoring outcomes and status of plans.

- Represents the Region at department level and regional level process improvement meetings or projects.

- Responsible for scheduling, organization and set up of section site visits, roadshows, question/answer sessions. Meet the staff meetings, drop in visits, Gemba’s and any other meetings or visits needed by Program Administrator.

- Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:
- Federal and State Laws, statutes, regulations and directive governing Department of Child Safety (DCS) services
- Arizona Child Safety model
- Risk assessment practices and procedures
- Developmental and behavioral problems of Children.
- Policies and procedures of the court system
- Policy development and training procedures
- Case management policy
- DCS Organization structure
- Resources available in the community.
- Administrative management principles and best practices
- Agency’s organization values and vision and their compatibility with personal values
- Lean principles

Skill in:
- Verbal and written communication
- Assessing risk, safety planning, and case planning with the goal of providing protection and safety.
- Preserving families and promoting timely permanency
- Negotiation, collaboration and conflict management
- Strength- based, solution-focused and family-centered practice
- Supervision and interviewing techniques
- Work load management and prioritizing
- Researching, analyzing data and preparing reports.
- Operation of reviewing case records.
- Evaluating client needs
- Report preparation and analyzing data.

Ability to:
- Elicit information through interviews
- Interpret program policies, procedures, rules and regulations
- Evaluate and make decisions on cases
- Manage workload
- Establish and maintain work relationships with children, their families and court representatives.
- Interview clients under stressful situations
- Open discussions effectively, remain open to all sides, stay focused on resolution and close discussions with clear summaries
- Interact with individuals of all levels internally/externally
- Manage complex tasks of a sensitive and confidential nature and maintain confidentiality
- Asses case work decisions
- Recognize critical issues and take appropriate/immediate action
- Travel in-state.

Extensive administrative experience supporting high-level management executives.
One (1) year of case management experience working in a child safety environment.

Master's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or University
OR
Three (3) years of combined DCS Specialist Trainee/DCS Specialist experience
OR
Three (3) years of combined DCS Specialist Trainee/OCWI Investigation experience.

-Applicants for this position shall be subject to a search of the DCS Central Registry

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.)

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.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

As an employee of the Department of Child Safety you will be entitled to a comprehensive benefits package that can become effective as soon as two weeks after starting!
Benefits include:
- Paid sick leave.
- Paid vacation that includes ten (10) holidays per year.
- Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
- Competitive health and dental insurance plans.
- Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

We also offer optional employee benefits that include:
- Vision coverage.
- Short-term disability insurance.
- Deferred compensation plans.
- Supplemental life insurance.
- Employee wellness plans.

Bi-Lingual Stipend
In an effort to better serve our communities, 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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. 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 state of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.