Protective Services Specialist Kenai; PCN

Overview

Come join the State of Alaska!

This job class uses Competency Based minimum qualifications (MQs). Please read the Competency Based MQ instructions below to learn more.

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

As a Protective Services Specialist (PSS), you will be responsible for all aspects of Child Protection Services in the Family Services Unit, the Investigations & Assessment Unit, or as Generalist covering both. Duties include investigating reports of abuse and/or neglect, developing intervention plans with family and others, gathering information about family dynamics and functioning, ensuring child safety while supporting parents in addressing protective factors, placing children with relatives or licensed foster homes when necessary, providing ongoing and/or in-home services to families, coordinating referrals to other service providers and agencies, writing and submitting reports to the Court, working with Tribal/Community Partners, maintaining face-to-face and telephonic contact with parents and caregivers, and travel as required by client location.

For more information: OCS Practice Model.

The Mission of the Office of Children's Services is:
Ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children by strengthening families, engaging communities, and partnering with Tribes. The Office of Children’s Services is dedicated to a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount. Employees contribute to a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully. Everything we do is underpinned by our Core Values.

The Office of Children's Services is committed to an organizational culture that values each team member. We strive to build and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We celebrate and value the diversity of our employees, partners, and families we serve.

Your first twelve months in the agency are probationary and include formal virtual training, on-the-job training with your supervisor and colleagues. This is a field-based position with potential for part-time teleworking within the duty station upon eligibility. Full-time benefits include Insurance Benefits;
Retirement Benefits;
Paid Leave; and twelve paid holidays per year. See the benefits tab on this posting for more information.

These positions are in the Kenai Field Office, covering areas in the Southcentral Region. Assignments may be in the Investigations & Assessment Unit, the Family Services Unit, or the Generalist Unit depending on unit needs. The work is critical and may require evenings, weekends, and on-call duties on a rotational basis. Travel in the Southcentral Region is required 1–2 times per month for up to a week at a time;

travel to villages or cities for placement or visitation varies by regional needs. Some travel may involve small aircraft or overnight stays.

Our teams value a strong work ethic, high ethical standards, and treating all people with dignity and respect. We promote a positive, upbeat work environment. Office of Children’s Services staff are considered essential and are expected to work during pandemics and other natural disasters. Starting level (1 trainee or 2 journey) depends on experience and qualifications.

For information on the Kenai community (schools, hospitals, housing) review the Alaska Community Profiles.

We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the position-specific competencies listed below.

• Stress Tolerance: Deals calmly and effectively with high-stress situations (tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergencies, dangerous situations).
• Self-Management: Sets clear personal goals; demonstrates initiative and commitment; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to complete assignments timely; is organized and responsible.
• Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed decisions with awareness of impact and change;…