Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy
Job Posting closes: Open until filled
Required documents (as listed in Qualifications and Required Documents sections) must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Agency Information
Kansas Department for Children and Families | www.dcf.ks.gov
Prevention and Protection Services
Northwest Region / Negotiable between Hays, Colby, or Phillipsburg
About the Position
Who can apply: External (anyone)
Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
Eligible to Receive Benefits: No
Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
Compensation: Unlicensed Protection Specialist: $24.86 hourly. Licensed Protection Specialist: $26.17 hourly.
Salary may be dependent upon the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Employment Benefits
In addition to the starting salary, the State of Kansas offers a significant benefits package that is available the first day of employment. All benefits eligible, full-time employees may elect to enroll in:
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Health Insurance including medical, dental, vision (plus optional partner/dependent coverage at reduced cost)
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Creation of and contribution to your personal KPERS defined Retirement benefit
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9-10 paid, annual holidays
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12 paid, annual vacation days
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12 paid, annual sick days
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1 paid Discretionary Day
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Your personal life insurance policy equal to 150% of your starting salary
- This benefits package represents additional annual compensation.
Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information.
Position Summary & Responsibilities
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is hiring innovators and leaders. If you believe people have the capacity to progress, succeed, grow, and do well in life, you can discover your purpose here! Find more than just a job with DCF. You can be part of the growth and opportunity for our team to help serve the individuals and families in your community. Thrive With Us and find your career and purpose!
As a Child Protection Specialist, you will provide protective and preventive services. Prevention is defined as prevention for out of home placement for children. The social worker will investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, perform risk and safety assessments, develop safety plans, provide information about and referrals to community resources for at risk families, and make appropriate referrals to contracted family preservation and foster care providers.
View the full position description:
Qualifications
Education: *If a degree is required, a copy of a candidate’s transcript showing proof must be sent to your recruiter following the interview * Four-year degree in a Human Services or Behavioral Sciences field of study, or education determined relevant by the agency.
Minimum Qualifications: *If a driver’s license is required, a copy must be sent to your recruiter following the interview.* Valid driver’s license (must maintain valid driver’s license throughout employment)
If Licensed Professional, must maintain license throughout employment
Preferred Qualifications: One or more of the following:
Bachelor’s in Social Work (Licensed Social Worker)
Master’s in Professional Counseling (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
Security Clearance: A background check (KBI - criminal background, welfare fraud, driver's license and Child/Adult Abuse and Neglect Central Registry) is required for all positions with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a condition of employment, which may include fingerprinting and FBI check. Security clearance must be obtained prior to employment with DCF. Must maintain security clearance throughout employment.
Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law.
If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199.
Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions
Recruiter Contact Information
Please reference Job ID Number: 220633
Job Application Process
First Sign in or register as a New User.
Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"
Required Documents* for this Application to be Complete
Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page
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State of Kansas online application
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Resume
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Cover letter
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Legible copy of valid driver’s license (if driver’s license is required)
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Transcripts** (if educational requirements are listed for this position)
**If degree is a requirement listed, transcript must show proof of graduation or degree obtained. -
DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
- Required documents must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”.
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference
How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference
PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to [email protected], or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.
E-Verify: DCF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Full Position Description:
No. Each Task and Indicate Percent of Time
The person in this positon has access to protected health information (PHI) under the provisions of the Heath Information Portability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) Privacy Rule. PHI must be treated in accordance with the provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Regulation including the requirements for safeguarding, releasing and recording the release of such information. The person will receive training in the provision of the HIPAA Privacy Regulations as they relate to the duties of this position and has signed a confidentiality agreement.
In addition to the tasks listed below, the incumbent is expected to communicate the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the agency to peers, clients and the public; identify personal strengths and developmental needs to increase job performance and long-term career growth. Continually analyze work processes, seek new approaches and make recommendations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Works in a harmonious and cooperative fashion with other staff to provide efficient and effective customer service. Uses free time as available to assist other staff in the completion of work assignments. Contributes to a positive work environment through a positive, helpful, courteous demeanor towards staff, clients, and the general public. Adheres to appropriate standards of conduct regarding the use of leave and reports to work on time.
ASSESSMENT
Receives assigned reports of families where children are suspected of being in need of care, abused or neglected as defined in K.S.A. 38-2202, and establishes contact with one or more family members to assess child abuse and neglect allegations within the assigned time frame. Makes timely collaborative contact with schools, courts, multi-disciplinary teams, mental health, law enforcement, and other service providers to assess child safety per DCF regulation/policy.
Conducts assessments of alleged abuse and neglect, completes and prepares a written assessment within the established time - lines. Makes referral to law enforcement, court attorneys and the court as appropriate. Provides short term, intensive and preventative intervention. Assist the family in formulating a child safety plan and jointly develops a family case plan with family if services are needed. Maintains clear records of services provided and documents progress in meeting goals, including writing the basis for finding decisions.
This position will work 8-5 on Saturday and 8-5 on Sunday and 8-noon on Monday. During the scheduled hours this position will accept calls via Kansas Protection Reporting Center (KPRC) from law enforcement agencies who have questions or need assistance in further assessments of families. The position will make contact with the family within 24 hours, and after assessing will make contact back with the appropriate law enforcement agency. This position will cover a large geographical area, travel and use of state vehicles is expected. On Monday morning, the position will spend time debriefing the appropriate supervisor and staff to transition work and next steps needed for continuity of case management.
CASE MANAGEMENT/PRIVATE AGENCIES
Prepares timely opening file on children brought into custody by completing placement referrals, placement agreements, medical consents, with updates FACTS, and obtain current or emergency medical card.
Actively participates in supervisor conferences and case consultation informing supervisor of significant case development and problems. Attends and participates in regularly scheduled unit meetings as well as group supervision within the unit meetings.
Utilizes agency forms to provide complete and accurate referrals to the private contractor within contract guidelines. Assures that all appropriate paperwork and information is provided.
Provides written reports to court and necessary court hearings. Assists in preparation of Child in Need of Care petitions to be provided to the District Attorney and provide all supporting evidence within the time frames. Provides legal documentation and legal status changes to the private agency. Court testimony in Child in Need of Care cases in which custody is requested or given to DCF by the court as well as criminal cases in which the perpetrator of the abuse/neglect is charged.
AGENCY/PUBLIC RESPOSIVENESS
Responds in a positive, professional manner to clients, community and other professionals. Seeks to resolve differences in a positive manner and within DCF rules, policies, and regulations. Utilizes formal information training opportunities and professional readings to enhance knowledge and skills in family/assessment, intervention, leadership and teamwork. Completes all other duties as assigned.
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Other duties as assigned.
