Protective Services Specialist Fairbanks

Come join the State of Alaska! This job class uses Competency Based minimum qualifications. The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for a full‑time Protective Service Specialist 1/2 in Fairbanks, Alaska. This position is open to all applicants.

As a Protective Service Specialist (PSS), located in Fairbanks, Alaska, you will be responsible for Child Protection Services in the Family Services Unit, the Investigations & Assessment Unit, or as Generalist covering both. You will investigate reports of child abuse and/or neglect, prepare plans for intervention by soliciting the cooperation of the family and others, gather information about family dynamics/functionality, develop plans to ensure child safety while assisting parents in addressing their diminished protective factors, place children out of the home with a relative or licensed foster home when necessary, provide ongoing and/or in‑home services to families, write and submit reports to Court, work closely with Tribal/Community Partners, maintain frequent face‑to‑face and telephonic contact with parents and caregivers of children in custody, travel as required, and make referrals to other service providers and agencies.

You are expected to travel throughout the interior of Alaska approximately four times a month.

The Interior Rural Field Office serves approximately 30 rural communities in the Interior of Alaska. The home base location is in the Fairbanks Field Office, which serves the Fairbanks area, North Pole, and surrounding communities. Travelers may need to use small aircraft, all‑terrain vehicles, or small boats to remote villages, communities, or rural locations. Some communities lack modern conveniences, hotels, or bed and breakfasts, so the employee must be prepared to sleep in offices, schools, tribal community buildings, or other accommodations during overnight visits.

Frequency of travel is expected to be 4+ times a month. You may also assist other field offices within the Northern Region on an as‑needed basis. Work may occur evenings, weekends, and during on‑call rotations. The field is essential, so staff are expected to work during emergencies and natural disasters.

• Your first twelve months are a probationary training period, including formal virtual training, on‑the‑job training with your supervisor, and with other colleagues.
• Full‑time benefits include insurance benefits, retirement benefits, paid leave, and twelve paid holidays per year.

• Stress Tolerance – Deals calmly and effectively with high‑stress situations (e.g., tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).
• Self‑Management – Sets well‑defined realistic personal goals; displays high initiative; works with minimal supervision; demonstrates responsibility.
• Teamwork – Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

Some positions require a valid Alaska driver’s license and/or a background investigation including fingerprinting. All positions require a valid Real a driver’s license and successful completion of a background investigation, including fingerprinting and a criminal records check. Mileage reimbursement is available when a personal vehicle is used for work‑related matters.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call in Juneau or TTY:
Alaska Relay 711 or or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811‑0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.