Child Protective Specialist
Core
Investigate reports of alleged child abuse and neglect, conduct safety assessments, and determine risk of future harm to children in families.
Role type
Child Protective Specialist (Investigative Social Worker)
Builds
Safety assessments, family service plans, and court petitions for supervisory oversight or removal of children
Domain
Child welfare / Juvenile justice
Deliverable
physical/clinical work
Required skills
Social work, investigation, home visits, interviewing (children, parents, household members), safety assessment, case management, record keeping, legal petition filing, collaboration with contract agencies
Preferred skills
None stated
Technologies
Computerized case management systems
Responsibilities
Initiate investigations and safety interventions; meet families in homes within 48 hours (24 hours if immediate danger); interview and assess all children; interview parents/caretakers and collateral contacts; make immediate safety assessments or within 7 days; participate in family meetings; determine abuse/neglect within 60 days; assess ongoing risk and arrange services for indicated cases; work with legal staff to file Family Court petitions; collaborate with contract agencies for foster/preventive care; maintain case records
Seniority
Entry-level to mid-level (Assignment Level I/II)