CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES SPECIALIST-INVESTIGATIONS & ASSESSMENTS

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Loudoun County Department of Family Services seeks a dedicated, energetic, and professional candidate for its Family Service Specialist Investigation and Assessment (I&A) position.

The successful candidate will join the Child Protective Services (CPS) Unit in a diverse department that envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all. The Department supports individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination. This Child Protective Services Specialist position responds to and provides emergency crisis intervention, investigates allegations of abuse or neglect, and performs comprehensive assessment of children and their families. This includes interviewing children, parents and guardians, and collateral contacts to determine risk and safety utilizing strengths-based and trauma-informed practices, as well as devising safety and service plans to assure child wellbeing while adhering to all local, state, and federal policies, procedures, and regulations. This work requires response during regular business hours, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays, on a scheduled rotation or as assigned. The nature of this work is dynamic given the critical crisis responses and interventions to achieve the safety of children and youth. Clinical supervision is available to eligible employees upon hire.

This work is multifaceted, as outlined in its core responsibilities:

• Engaging families to improve child safety and encourage participation in services to enhance parenting skills and family functioning.
• Referring families to appropriate community resources and supportive services.
• Completing required visits, collateral contacts, and documentation within the mandated timeframes.
• Conducting joint investigations with law enforcement in situations alleging child abuse/neglect classified as a felony or Class 1 Misdemeanor.
• Preparing affidavits and testifying in court.
• Coordinating and participating in family team meetings to address family crises and service needs utilizing a collaborative approach.
• Collaborating with community partners. Assisting in emergency situations as needed.
• Participating in staff meetings, in-service trainings, and outside trainings for professional development.
• Performing other duties as assigned to resolve child safety issues and improve outcomes in families. 

The ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge of child protection laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of family dynamics and functioning, and human development.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in child welfare.
• Abilities to engage, interview, assess, counsel, and refer clients.
• Abilities to assess child safety and risk using program specific tools.
• Ability to think critically in crisis to mitigate risky family situations.
• Ability to respond to complex family crisis situations.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to meet mandated timeframes and shifting priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written for engaging, interviewing, assessing, testifying, and documenting case records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Word software.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Sociology, Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; two (2) years of related work experience in a social service field or child/adult welfare department; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or directly related field.
• Fluency in Spanish.

• Successful candidates must be available for duty beyond the normal workday which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, as required to perform functions of the position.
• This position is considered essential personnel and will require report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency (e.g., weather, transportation, disaster).
• May also be required to work from, and may be assigned to, an alternate worksite(s) within the county to carry out duties that support operational needs. 

Successful candidates will undergo CPS, Criminal, and DMV checks. The candidate must possess and maintain a valid resident's driver's license.

Loudoun County Regular Full-time Employees are eligible for full benefits including but not limited to the following as a part of a total rewards package!

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Annual leave
• Sick leave
• Annual Paid Holidays
• Group Health Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Exceptional Performance Recognition
• Credit Union Membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Education and Career Development