Child​/Adult Protective Services Specialist - Department Of Human Services - Lihue, Kauai

CHILD/ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES SPECIALIST – DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – LIHUE, KAUAI

Salary: $5,588 to $6,797 per month (Step D to I)

Location: Lihue, Kauai

Recruitment Number: 25-0475

Positions in this class are distinguished by the critical, predominantly investigative work they do to identify and confirm reports of alleged child/dependent adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and develop primary treatment plans. Work is frequently crisis-oriented and confrontational, and may involve challenging family members and other persons directly in their treatment of children and dependent adults, and performing assessments where, because of the danger of imminent harm, children or dependent adults may be immediately removed using police assistance as necessary.

Because of the serious nature of allegations being investigated, Child/Adult Protective Services (C/APS) Specialists frequently find themselves in extremely volatile situations, particularly during on-site visits where they may encounter hostility from family members.

• Investigate reports of alleged child/dependent adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
• Conduct assessments and develop primary treatment plans to protect victims from harm.
• Provide counseling, case management services, and coordinate community services to ensure safety of vulnerable adults.
• Perform on-site visits and engage with families to address crisis situations.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies, including using police assistance when immediate removal is necessary.

• Legal Authorization to Work: U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility for unrestricted employment.
• Basic
  
  Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university with a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in counseling, criminal justice, human services, psychology, social work, sociology, or other behavioral sciences.
• Specialized
  
  Experience:
  
  One and one‑half years of progressively responsible professional experience helping individuals and families resolve problems, cope with conditions, and function effectively.
• Protective Services
  
  Experience:
  
  One year of professional social or human service work primarily involving investigations to identify and confirm child/dependent adult abuse or neglect cases, and developing and implementing primary treatment plans, including termination of parental rights as necessary.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license at the time of appointment.

State of Hawaii complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. For additional information about EEO, merit civil service system, citizenship, and other requirements, see the State Recruiting Office’s website.