CPS Investigation & Assessment Senior Specialist

Full Job Description

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, professional candidate for its CPS I&A Senior Specialist role. The successful candidate will join the Child Protective Services program and the 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.

Curious what it's like to work in Child Protective Services? Click here to discover the rewards and challenges with this career - straight from someone does it every day!

Requirements

The Senior CPS Specialist will serve as the Senior lead, providing technical guidance, support, and training to Family Services Specialists and supervising interns on a dynamic team responding to the needs of our most vulnerable children and families. Additionally, the successful candidate will respond to and provide emergency crisis intervention, investigate serious allegations of abuse or neglect (sex abuse, human trafficking, out-of-family investigations), and perform comprehensive assessments of children and their families as part of a 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 federal, state, and local policies, procedures, and regulations, including completeness and timeliness.

The nature of this work is dynamic, given the critical crisis responses and interventions to achieve the safety of children and youth. This position requires the individual to assist in maintaining a supportive work environment, with the ability to inspire and encourage productivity and teamwork amongst staff. Work is performed in a forward-thinking organization that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

The successful candidate will:

• Assist with training coworkers by explaining program policies and procedures.
• Serve as supervisor in the supervisor's absence. Conduct and complete in-depth client assessments and/or investigations with minimal oversight.
• Develop individualized service plans for assigned cases and clinical case management, oversight, and therapeutic interventions to assist clients in achieving or maintaining the highest level of independence possible.
• Document clients' service histories as required using appropriate state and local case management computer programs to open, update, and close records.
• Complete special projects as assigned, independently or as a member of a team.
• May perform other essential job functions specific to the position and department assignment.

This position is eligible for a $3,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County’s Hiring and Retention Bonus Program.

Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; AND, three (3) years of directly related experience in a human services area.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Major coursework in a Human Services field.
• Bi-lingual
• Knowledge of social services systems for children, families, and adults reflects trauma-informed and strengths-based philosophy and values.
  

Additional Information

• Pass pre-employment background checks to include criminal, fingerprinting, credit, CPS/APS, and DMV checks. Valid driver’s license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification).
• Hold or obtain certifications such as CPR if required for assigned position. Obtain specific training such as CPS/Foster Care/APS state training as required or desired for assigned area.
• Successful candidates must be available for duty beyond the normal workday, which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, as required to perform the functions of the position.

This position is considered essential personnel and will require reporting to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency (e.g., weather, transportation, disaster).