Protective Services Specialist Sitka or Juneau

Position Overview

Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 3%. The wage listed in this posting reflects the increase.

The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for full-time Protective Service Specialist 1/2/3.

Location:

Sitka, Alaska or Juneau, Alaska. This position is open to Alaska residents.

As a Protective Service 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. The role may involve:

• Investigating reports of child abuse and/or neglect.
• Preparing intervention plans and soliciting the cooperation of the family and other stakeholders.
• Gathering information about family dynamics and functionality.
• Developing plans to ensure child safety while assisting parents in addressing protective factors.
• Placing children with a relative or licensed foster home when applicable.
• Providing ongoing and/or in‑home services to families, writing and submitting reports to court.
• Working closely with tribal and community partners.
• Maintaining frequent face‑to‑face and telephonic contact with parents and caregivers.
• Making referrals to other service providers and agencies.

The Southeast Regional Field Offices include Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, and Craig. Working at the Sitka Field Office requires travel as needed for regional coverage. The Juneau Field Office position typically alternates 50% office work and 50% travel each month.

Full‑time benefits include:

• Insurance benefits.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid leave and twelve paid holidays per year.

Other benefits:

• Probationary period of twelve months with formal virtual training and on‑the‑job training.
• Option for part‑time telework within the duty station, subject to eligibility.
• Travel may involve small aircraft and overnight stays, depending on regional needs.

This region‑wide role covers Family Services and Initial Investigations across remote Southeast Alaska locations. OCS work includes evenings and weekends, with overtime and on‑call expectations. Travel may range from frequent or minimal, potentially to small aircraft and overnight stays.

The position requires the following competencies:

• Self‑Management
  :
  Sets realistic goals, works independently, demonstrates initiative and responsibility.
• Stress Tolerance
  :
  Handles high‑stress situations calmly and effectively.
• Teamwork
  :
  Facilitates cooperation, fosters trust, and works with others to achieve goals.
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving
  :
  Uses logical, systematic approaches to manage situations.
• Customer Service
  :
  Provides effective assistance to clients and stakeholders.
• Integrity/Honesty
  :
  Maintains ethical conduct and displays trustworthiness.
• Interpersonal Skills
  :
  Shows friendliness, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Oral Communication
  :
  Communicates effectively in various settings.
• Writing
  :
  Produces clear, concise, and appropriate written material.
• Technical Credibility
  :
  Applies relevant regulations, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications may include education or experience that has provided the above competencies, such as training or experience in social science, behavioral science, health science, counseling, or related fields, and experience in child or family case management.

• Position typically requires two weeks in the office and two weeks traveling each month when based at the Juneau Field Office.
• Valid Real a driver’s license required.
• Child protective history check, background, and fingerprint check required per state regulations.
• Travel to villages or cities for placement or visitation may be required.
• May need to attend training courses in Anchorage.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who need accommodation may contact the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.