Protective Services Specialist Wasilla

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 Wasilla, Alaska.

The position is open to Alaska Residents Only.

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 Generalist covering both. This case carrying positions offer a range of duties, including investigating reports of child abuse and/or neglect, preparing plans for intervention by soliciting the cooperation of the family and others, and gathers information about family dynamics/functionality.

A PSS will develop plans to ensure child safety while assisting parents in addressing their protective factors, may be placing children with a relative or licensed foster home when applicable, provide ongoing and/or in‑home services to families, writing and submitting reports to Court, working closely with Tribal/Community Partners, frequent face‑to‑face and telephonic contact with parents and caregivers of children in custody with travel as required dependent on the client location and working On Call, on a rotation basis.

Making referrals to other service providers and agencies.

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 all contribute to building 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 are committed to building and sustaining 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 considered a training period, with formal virtual training, on‑the‑job training with your supervisor, and with other colleagues.

While this is a field‑based position that involves working in the community, part‑time telework within the duty station is an option upon eligibility.

This is a rural position with a Wasilla duty station. The individual will be expected to frequently travel within the Dillingham and Bristol Bay area, Lake and Peninsula Borough, and the Aleutian Islands to provide support estimating about 50% to 65% of the time, with per‑diem and accommodation paid for by the State if needed.

This position will either be in the Investigations & Assessment Unit or the Family Services Unit. The work performed is critical and significantly impacts the communities we serve. As a result Office of Children’s services work in the evenings, and weekends as well as weekdays, so overtime and working on‑call on a rotational basis are expectations of our workers.

This position requires travel in the Southcentral and Southwestern Region of the state on a routine basis. The position will be required to stay in State leased housing in Dillingham for 5 days on a rotational basis and will be required to travel to other towns and villages as needed. Travel to other villages or cities in the area will be based on operational needs.

Travel in outlying areas may…