Job Description

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Job Posting closes: Open until filled
Required documents must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Agency Information:

Kansas Department for Children and Families |
Prevention and Protection Services
Northwest Region/Junction City Office

About the Position

• Who can apply: External
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
• Search Keywords: Child Protective Services, Social Work, Junction City

Compensation: Child Protective Investigator: $18.60 hourly / $38,697.76 annually. Unlicensed Protection Specialist: $24.86 hourly / $51,727.50 annually. Licensed Protection Specialist: $26.18 hourly / $54,450.00 annually Salary may be dependent upon the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Employment Benefits

In addition to the starting salary, the State of Kansas offers a significant benefits package that is available the first day of employment. All benefits eligible, full-time employees may elect to enroll in:

• Health Insurance including medical; dental; vision (plus optional partner/dependent coverage at reduced cost)
• Creation of and contribution to your, personal KPERS defined Retirement benefit
• 9-10 paid, annual holidays
• 12 paid, annual vacation days
• 12 paid, annual sick days
• 1 paid Discretionary Day
• Your personal life insurance policy equal to 150% of your starting salary
• This benefits package represents additional annual compensation.

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information.

Position Summary & Responsibilities
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is hiring innovators and leaders. If you believe people have the capacity to progress, succeed, grow, and do well in life, you can discover your purpose here! Find more than just a job with DCF. You can be part of the growth and opportunity for our team to help serve the individuals and families in your community. Thrive With Us and find your career and purpose!

As a Child Protection Specialist, you will provide protective and preventive services. Prevention is defined as prevention for out of home placement for children. The social worker will investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, perform risk and safety assessments, develop safety plans, provide information about and referrals to community resources for at risk families, and make appropriate referrals to contracted family preservation and foster care providers.


As a Child Protective Investigator, you will be a member of the Joint Investigative Team (Supervisor, Child Protection Specialist, Child Protective Investigator). You will receive assignment reports of families where child(ren) are suspected of being abused or neglected or in need of care as defined by K.S.A 38-2202. Reviews preliminary data and in conjunction with the Child Protection Specialist, develops an investigative plan.

View the full position description CPI:

View the full position description CPS:

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: • Child Protection Specialist: Four-year degree in a Human Services or Behavioral Sciences Field of study, or education determined relevant by the agency.

• Child Protective Investigator: Two years investigation, fact finding or enforcing state or federal laws and regulations. Associate’s Degree in social work, criminal justice (law enforcement or corrections) may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Preferred Qualifications: • Child Protection Specialist: One or more of the following: Bachelor’s in Social Work (Licensed Social Worker), Master’s in Professional Counseling (Licensed Professional Counselor), Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). Licensed Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) professional as determined relevant by the agency. A minimum of 2 years of work experience in Children and Family Services. • Child Protective Investigator: Two years of experience doing field investigative work as a law enforcement officer, corrections/parole officer, social worker, or special/private investigator. Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice (law enforcement or corrections).

Bi-lingual Preferred

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements :

• Security Clearance: A background check (KBI - criminal background, welfare fraud, driver's license and Child/Adult Abuse and Neglect Central Registry) is required for all positions with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a condition of employment, which may include fingerprinting and FBI check. Security clearance must be obtained prior to employment with DCF. Must maintain security clearance throughout employment.
• Tax Clearance: If offered a position of employment, a valid/current Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate must be submitted. Visit the KDOR Tax Clearance Request Information page for more information.

Recruiter Contact Information

Email: janessa.schuetz@ks.gov | Phone: 785-289-6861

Please reference this Job ID Number: 215580

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
• Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
• Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
• Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents* for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• State of Kansas online application
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Transcripts** (if educational requirements are listed for this position)
  **If degree is a requirement listed, transcript must show proof of graduation or degree obtained.
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
• Required documents must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov : “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”.

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference at the following link: Disability Hiring Preference | Kansas Department of Administration (ks.gov)

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.

E-Verify: DCF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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