Case Manager/Child Safety Specialist

WHAT DOES A CASE MANAGER/CHILD SAFETY SPECIALIST DO?

A Case Manager/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. A day in the life of a Child Safety Specialist can look like:

• Responding to reported allegations of child abuse and/or neglect

• Assessing child safety and risk

• Conducting investigations regarding a child abuse report

• Identifying supports and resources to help children remain safely at home

• Facilitating removal and arrangement of child(ren)into an alternative placement

• Participating in team meetings to follow-up on individual and case progress

• Documenting client activity and completing reports

• Attending Court hearings

• Preparing case plans

• Placing children, transporting children, and moving a child’s possessions when needed

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

WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES ARE HELPFUL?

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.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE A CASE MANAGER/CHILD SAFETY SPECIALIST?

• 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 (obtained by 1st day of hire)

• A valid Arizona driver license, vehicle registration and insurance

• 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.

THE STATE OF ARIZONA HAS EXCELLENT BENEFITS AND PERKS! WE OFFER:

• 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. 

RATES

As a Trainee (first 22 weeks in position) your starting rate is $21.70 per hour.  

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

 Successful completion of the 22 weeks CORE training $22.59/hour
 One year of Child Safety Specialist service $24.11/hour
 Two years of Child Safety Specialist service $25.96/hour
 Three years of Child Safety Specialist service $27.66/hour