DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

There are numerous offices located in Central Phoenix and the East Valley.  

Salary: 21.7068 

Grade: 17; Open Until Filled/Applications Reviewed Daily

At the Arizona Department of Child Safety (“DCS”), we call ourselves "compassioneers" because everything we do is done with a compassionate heart. We work tirelessly to protect children, reunify families, ensure safe living environments and prevent unnecessary trauma. As an agency, we are proud to be a pillar of strength for our communities, and proud to do work each day that makes an impact on the world around us every day.

Becoming a Child Safety Specialist can be a life-changing event! If you have a passion to work with children and families, DCS is the place for you.

Together we can make a difference through service!


Step Increases
Child Safety Specialists are eligible for incremental pay increases as follows:

Upon successful completion of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, 22 week CORE training program $22.59/hour
One year of Arizona Department of Child Safety Specialist service $24.11/hour
Two years of  Arizona Department of Child Safety Specialist service $25.96/hour
Three years of Arizona Department of Child Safety Specialist service $27.66/hour


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!

A Child Safety Specialist offers valuable support and assistance to children and families in need. This role requires strong time management and critical thinking skills. A Child Safety Specialist assesses child safety and risk while working with families, agencies and the courts for case planning. This is a fast-paced environment, which requires organization, a high degree of expertise and skill in maintaining established quality and accuracy in work assignments.  The essential job functions of a DCS Specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Responding to reported allegations of child abuse and/or neglect
• Assessing child safety and risk
• Conducting interviews and gathering information
• Making in-and-out of home contacts with families and children
• Attending Court hearings
• Preparing case plans and conducting case plan staffing
• Authoring professional reports and filling out documentation
• Coordinating and monitoring services
• Placing children, transporting children, and moving a child’s possessions when needed
• Managing cases throughout the respective county and assigned area
• Using a computer and the Department’s Child Welfare Software Programs

Alternative work hours may be required, including overtime, weekends and holidays.

Knowledge of:
Confidential principles; behavior modification, conflict resolution and counseling principles and techniques; intervention techniques; interviewing procedures; child development, family systems, family centered practice; behavioral indicators of mental health disturbance, impact of abuse and neglect, separation and loss issues and child welfare practices. Computers and software (Microsoft Office Suite); mobile devices, digital calendars (Outlook) & video conferencing (Microsoft Teams).

Skill in:
Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships; verbal and written communication; eliciting and gathering information; modeling professional behavior with clients; time management and multi-tasking; keen observation; sensitivity to needs, feelings and cultures; dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations; adaptability; and making independent decisions.

Ability to:
Complete work tasks thoroughly; lead, take responsibility; analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems; recognize and address substance abuse issues in adults and children and develop necessary intervention strategies; prepare detailed documentation of client and professional contact to ensure records are accurately conveyed and reported; and enter, retrieve and correct data in a computer-based system; and acquire and renew CPR Certification.

Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited college or university-must provide awarded transcripts to confirm degree, OR four (4) years of experience as a DCS Case Aide

Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card 
                                                                                 
Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

During the first 22 weeks of employment required in person training in Midtown Phoenix involving overnight stays, if necessary, every other week. 
Selected candidates must be able to pass a written exam, background investigation, Motor Vehicle Report check and DCS Central Registry check.

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).

• 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
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.

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

All Child Safety Specialist positions participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).  Enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of state employment.  ASRS is a defined benefit plan which means at retirement you are guaranteed a lifetime benefit that does not run out and can never be reduced!

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.  Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov.  The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.