Job classification - Child Protective Investigator

JOB CLASSIFICATION

CLASS TITLE: Child Protective Investigator

CLASS DEFINITION:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To receive, screen, evaluate, and investigate referrals/complaints relative to alleged child abuse and/or neglect and alleged institutional abuse and/or neglect; to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of children; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a superior with some latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment in performance of investigations; work is reviewed and monitored in process, through telephonic device or other similar means, and upon completion through submitted reports and conferences for results obtained in conformance to accepted professional investigative standards, principles, practices and techniques with an emphasis on child protective services, as well as Federal and State Laws and Departmental policies, procedures, and goals.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As required, may supervise the work of clerical and data entry staff assigned to assist.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

To receive, screen, evaluate, and investigate referrals/complaints relative to alleged child abuse and/or neglect and alleged institutional abuse and/or neglect; to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of children.
To be able to assess the priorities/urgency of each referral/complaint and to make appropriate referrals.
To document all referrals/complaints with specificity as to type; to record all relevant and appropriate information obtained; and to complete all required forms and/or referrals and to review as appropriate to ensure completeness of all documents and records.
To immediately review with the supervisor all immediate and urgent cases of alleged child abuse and/or neglect and alleged institutional child abuse arid/or neglect, as well as such cases reported by health care professionals and/or hospitals.
To inform individual Department staff and appropriate supervisors of any and all referrals/complaints made on a child/family currently receiving services from the Department; and as appropriate to interview said individuals.
To conduct investigations in areas where dangerous situations may be encountered.
To conduct thorough investigations to locate persons who are alleged child abusers, this would include the interviewing of all individuals who might have knowledge as to the whereabouts of the alleged child abuser.
To interview individuals associated with a referral/complaint (for example: complainants, family members, doctors, nurses, and others familiar with the family and/or present situation).
To prepare comprehensive reports and records of investigative findings which support or refute allegations and to recommend appropriate action.
To serve as liaison to social service agencies, local police, local law enforcement agencies, and Departmental attorneys regarding reports and investigation activities of child abuse and neglect cases.
To aid local law enforcement officials in fact finding and compiling case information.
To review case files to ascertain the completeness and accuracy of investigation activities on individual referrals/complaints.
To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of interviewing skills and the ability to apply and initiate those skills effectively during telephone or other contact; a thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of investigative work and the ability to apply such; a familiarity of the principles, practices, and techniques of social work including child protective services; the ability to maintain the confidentiality of all investigations; the ability to extract and interpret highly complex information and ascertain facts by personal contacts and analyzing documents; the skills and capacity to form relationships with children especially when involved in the emergency removal, location, and placement of children; a thorough knowledge of Department policies, procedures, and goals and the ability and commitment to adhere to them; a working knowledge of State and Federal Laws relating to programs/mandates providing social services to and protection for children and youth; a familiarity of community service resources and the ability to utilize them effectively; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, superiors, peers, other Department representatives and private and public agencies, local and State police, and the community; the ability to prepare clear and concise reports pertaining to findings, analysis, conclusions and/or recommendations; the ability to utilize sophisticated information systems equipment in order to enhance the fact finding and analytical process; the ability to accept direction and work under the supervision of a superior; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Such as may have been through: possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in Social Work, Social Welfare, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement; and

Experience: Such as may have been gained through: full-time employment in a private or public agency in the field of human services with experience in providing child protection services to children or participating in child protection-investigations, and/or providing services to children and their families; or investigation experience in the field of law enforcement in areas dealing primarily with juveniles or related activities.

Condition of Employment: Must possess and maintain a valid Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Operator's License.