Office of Child Welfare Investigations

2120 N Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hourly Salary: $31.3702 

Grade: 21

The Office of Child Welfare Investigations (OCWI) Assistant Managers responds to and conducts high-profile, complex and sensitive investigations related to allegations of criminal conduct child abuse and neglect. In addition, this position advises and trains OCWI Investigative Specialists (OIS) in techniques and approaches for handling cases of alleged criminal conduct. Trains newly hired OIS on joint investigation protocol and how to investigate intakes received by the DCS Hotline with criminal conduct allegations.

• 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. Accompanies Department of Child Safety (DCS) Specialist and/or OIS on investigations, which are anticipate to be unusually difficult and may at times become confrontational. 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 OIS. Maintains sufficient/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 inquiries and the unique situations presented. Conducts training for newly hired OIS related to the techniques/strategies necessary for performance of sensitive investigations into allegations of child abuse/neglect, including observation, conducting interviews, detecting signs of child abuse/neglect, interrogations, forensics, and collecting evidence and other documents.
• May act as manager in the absence of OCWI Manager.
• Attends unit meetings, high profile staffing, multidisciplinary meetings, Team Decision Meetings and fatality review meetings as determined by case and business needs.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

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

Skills 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

Must have 6 months experience as an OCWI Investigator. 

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing an extensive background investigation through State and Federal agencies. .

The ability to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card; and the ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.

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).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
  

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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 602-255-3141 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.

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