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Child Protection Specialist

Posted on May 13, 2025

Ks, United States of America
No Salary information.

Full Time

Job Posting closes: Open Until Filled
Required documents including transcripts (if educational requirements are listed for this position) 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
Southeast Region / Fort Scott Service Center

About the Position

Who can apply: External
Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Work Schedule: NEGOTIABLE with options of either 4 ten-hour days or 5 eight-hour days. Either option will require weekend (Saturday and Sunday) coverage.
Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
Search Keywords: PPS, Social Work, Protection, Prevention, Specialist, Fort Scott, Bourbon

Compensation: $51,727.50 Annual; $24.86 Hourly

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:

Health Insurance including medical; dental; vision (plus optional partner/dependent coverage at reduced cost)
Creation of and contribution to your, personal KPERS defined Retirement benefit
9-10 paid, annual holidays
12 paid, annual vacation days
12 paid, annual sick days
1 paid Discretionary Day
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!

Responsible for the investigation of abuse/neglect allegations; works in conjunction with schools, courts, law enforcement and other community partners to aid children and families; responsible for determining safety of children, assessing the needs of a family and making referrals for appropriate services be that foster care, family preservation, mental health or other services within the community; responsible for writing affidavits to the court and filling out forms in the state’s KIDS and KIPS systems in a timely manner, therefore must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written format while keeping up with newly assigned intakes. For a more complete list of duties, please review the position description.

View the full position description: http://content.dcf.ks.gov/hr/careers/K0232858.pdf

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Four-year degree in a Human Services or Behavioral Sciences field of study, or education determined relevant by the agency. Valid Driver's License is required and must be maintained throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications: One or more of the following: Licensed Social Worker; Master's in Professional Counseling (Licensed Professional Counselor); Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist); Licensed Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) professional as determined relevant by the agency (licensed professional must maintain license throughout employment); A minimum of 2-years of work experience in Children and Family Services.

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.
Tax Clearance: Candidates offered employment in a State of Kansas position will need to apply for a Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days of being offered a position. For more information, visit the KDOR Tax Clearance Request Information page.

Recruiter Contact Information

Email: Mary.Hartzell@ks.gov | Phone: 620-212-5286

Please reference this Job ID Number: 216704

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

State of Kansas online application
Resume
Cover letter
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 determine 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 at the following link: Disability Hiring Preference | Kansas Department of Administration (ks.gov)

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 Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, 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.

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