CPS SPECIALIST-INVESTIGATIONS & ASSESSMENTS

Loudoun County Department of Family Services (DFS) is seeking qualified, dedicated professionals to join our Child Protective Services (CPS) team as Family Service Specialist Investigation and Assessment (IA).

The successful candidates will join the 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 CPS I&A position responds to and provides emergency crisis intervention, investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect, and performs comprehensive assessments 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 and devising safety and service plans to assure child well-being while adhering to all local, state, and federal policies, procedures, and regulations. 

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

• Assessing allegations of child abuse and neglect includes interviewing children, parents, and other involved parties, often in their homes or community spaces.
• 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 community and home 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 training, and outside training for professional development.
• Performing other duties as assigned to resolve child safety issues and improve family outcomes.

The ideal candidates 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.
• 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.

The hiring salary is commensurate with the experience.

Clinical supervision is available to eligible employees upon hire.

• 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 or child/adult welfare agency; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• As a member of the CPS I&A unit, work hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm. However, the nature of this work is dynamic, given the critical crisis responses and interventions to achieve the safety of children and youth. As a result, evening and/or weekend work is required, and being part of an on-call rotation for CPS on a scheduled rotation or as assigned, that includes evening, overnight, weekend, and holidays which may require immediate response into the field, are required.
• 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).
• Candidate 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 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