Protective Services Specialist Anchorage

Come join the State of Alaska!

The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for a full-time Protective Services Specialist 1/2 in Anchorage, Alaska. This position is open to all applicants.

As a Protective Services Specialist (PSS), you will be responsible for Child Protection Services in the Family Services unit, the Investigations & Assessment unit, or as a generalist covering both. Services ensure safety, permanency and well‑being of children, enhance parents' protective capacities and strengthen families.

The role includes two components:
1) In‑home Services;
2) Out‑of‑home Services. Duties include investigating reports of child abuse and/or neglect, preparing intervention plans, soliciting cooperation of families and other stakeholders, gathering information on family dynamics, developing plans to ensure child safety while assisting parents, placing children out of the home when necessary, providing ongoing and/or in‑home services, writing and submitting reports to the Court, working closely with tribal/community partners, maintaining frequent contact with parents and caregivers, and making referrals to other service providers and agencies.

The Office of Children's Services’ mission is to ensure the safety, permanency and well‑being of children by strengthening families, engaging communities, and partnering with tribes. We strive for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and all employees are treated with equity, respect and dignity. Our core values are Hope, Integrity, Respect and Empathy.

We offer an organizational culture that values each team member and commitment to a diverse, equitable & inclusive work environment. Your first twelve months are a probationary training period with formal virtual training, on‑job training with your supervisor and colleagues. This field‑based position may allow part‑time telework upon eligibility. Full‑time benefits include insurance, retirement, paid leave and twelve paid holidays per year.

Office located in mid‑town Anchorage with regular field work throughout the community. Travel is expected 20%–50% of each month, with trips lasting 30 minutes to 3 hours, sometimes overnight in rural conditions or extreme weather. Attendance may involve small aircraft. Staff may work after hours, on‑call, evenings, weekends and during emergencies. The typical workweek includes visits to schools, in‑resource family homes, virtual and in‑person court attendance, and independent office work.

• Stress Tolerance – calmly and effectively handles high‑stress situations.
• Self‑Management – sets realistic goals, takes initiative, works with minimal supervision, and demonstrates responsibility.
• Teamwork – encourages cooperation, fosters trust and team spirit, works collaboratively to achieve goals.

• Valid Alaska Real r’s license.
• Must have a background check per AS 12.62.160/13 AAC 68.315 and fingerprint check.
• Transportation may be provided, but mileage reimbursement is available when personal vehicle is used; an auto insurance policy is required.
• Relocation reimbursement may be available.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities that require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats are encouraged to contact the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811‑0201 or call 1‑800‑587‑4095.

State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.