Child Safety Investigations - Social Services Specialist - Lauderdale

Child Safety Investigations - Social Services Specialist

Location:

Lauderdale County

Pay Rate: $30.25/hour

Schedule:

Full-Time | 8-Hour Shifts | In-Person

Important Eligibility Requirement***

Applicants must have previously worked for the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) within the past five (5) years and successfully completed MDCPS Pre-Service Training.

• Individuals who do not meet this requirement are not eligible for the position and should not apply.
• Candidates who left MDCPS more than five years ago or who have not completed Pre-Service Training will be automatically disqualified from consideration.
• Additionally, candidates cannot have been employed by MDCPS within the past six (6) months.

Become part of a mission-driven organization focused on child welfare, advocacy, and community impact. We offer competitive compensation, ongoing support, and an opportunity to truly make a difference in children's lives across Mississippi.

• Conduct initial and ongoing safety and risk assessments for reports of child maltreatment, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, human trafficking, and fatalities.
• Investigate allegations received through Mississippi Centralized Intake and Assessment by conducting home visits, interviews, and collaboration with collateral sources.
• Develop and monitor safety plans and make fact-based service recommendations.
• Conduct historical record checks to assess prior agency involvement.
• Schedule and attend forensic interviews, autopsies, and other case-related meetings.
• Prepare and submit timely and thorough documentation, including investigative reports and case notes.
• Testify in court and administrative proceedings as required.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with law enforcement, legal partners, and community agencies to support investigations.
• Mentor and support new staff in the investigation process.
• Participate in team meetings, case staffing, and professional development activities.
• Utilize data and time management tools to prioritize daily responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Participate in on-call rotation during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel routinely within assigned service areas (mileage reimbursed per state guidelines).

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Social Work, Social Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Nursing, Counseling, Educational Psychology, Family Studies, or a related field.

• Successful completion of Pre-Service Training through MDCPS.
• Prior employment with MDCPS within the past five (5) years.
• Not employed with MDCPS within the last six (6) months.
• Reliable personal transportation.
• Clean driving record and valid driver's license.
• Current auto insurance.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work across various service areas in Mississippi.

• Strong ability to recognize signs and symptoms of child maltreatment.
• Solution-focused critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• High cultural competency and ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
• Ability to remain flexible, professional, and resilient in often unpredictable environments.
• Commitment to child welfare best practices and ethical service delivery.

• Contract (Full-Time)
• Hourly Rate: $30.25
• Work Setting:
  In-person

About Vie Med Healthcare Staffing Vie Med Healthcare Staffing is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We celebrate and support all backgrounds and identities and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.