CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES SPECIALIST EVENING SHIFT

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 is known for its diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

The Department of Family Services (DFS) seeks dedicated and energetic professional candidates to primarily work flexible schedules during the evenings to conduct investigations and family assessments in response to child abuse and neglect referrals. The successful candidates will join the Child Protective Services (CPS) program and a department with various functional areas 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.

The successful candidate responds to and provides emergency crisis intervention, investigates allegations of abuse or neglect, and performs comprehensive assessments of children and their families as part of the CPS Evening Shift Team. 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.

The nature of this work is dynamic given the critical crisis responses and interventions to achieve the safety of children and youth. Core work hours are Monday-Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. including rotating shifts to receive and validate referrals from 5:00 pm to 8:30 am or respond to emergency family situations.

We are seeking candidates with:

• 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.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• 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 electronic documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Word software.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Requires a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or directly related discipline, and two (2) years of related work experience in a social service or field or child/adult welfare agency 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 and may be assigned to an alternate worksite(s) within the county to carry out duties that support operational needs.

Successful candidates will possess a valid resident driver's license and undergo driving record, child protective services, and criminal background checks.

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