New Job Intake Specialist - Child Abuse Hotline In Indiana

Intake Specialist - Child Abuse Hotline
Intake Specialist - Child Abuse Hotline

Intake Specialist - Child Abuse Hotline

Company : State of Indiana
Salary : $35,776 a year
Location : Indiana

Full Description

Work for Indiana
Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana’s communities every day.

Salary:
The starting salary for this position is $35,776 annually. Upon successful completion of the cohort training, the salary will be increased to $40,092 annually. Cohort training lasts approximately 12 weeks and is subject to change contingent upon successful completion of classroom and learning activities

About the Department of Child Services:
Join a team that engages with families and children to improve lives in meaningful and significant ways. DCS engages authentically with children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. The Department also administers family preservation and prevention services, foster care, and child support throughout the State of Indiana. You will relentlessly pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, adoption or support youth in making a successful transition to adulthood. While this job is difficult and may have long and sometimes unconventional hours, this is more than a job—it is a calling to improve your community and neighbors. Will you join us in supporting our Mission, Vision, and Values?
Mission: The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.
Vision: Children will live in safe, healthy and supportive families and communities.
Values: We at the Indiana Department of Child Services empower our team, in collaboration with state and local partners, to make decisions in the best interest of every child in our care by embracing:
Respect for all
Racial justice
Diversity and inclusion
A culture of safety
A commitment to continuous improvement
Make sure you review the “What You’ll Get in Return” section at the end of this posting. The benefits of working for DCS include more than what your paycheck reflects.

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Have a Question?

Email it to [email protected] . About the Job:
The Intake Specialist is responsible for receiving and assessing allegations of child abuse or neglect and responding to inquires from the public regarding DCS and/or child abuse and neglect situations. The overall purpose of the position is to serve as a front-line contact receiving reports of child abuse and neglect with the goal of protecting children from such abuse and neglect. A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Assesses verbal and written allegations and reports of child abuse or neglect and assigns appropriate risk level and investigation priority.
Evaluates the urgency or seriousness of allegations based on reported information and assigns risk level, which determines the DCS response time.
Notifies supervisor when determining the information reported indicates a high risk situation.
Determines whether reported information meets criteria for DCS investigation or should be referred to the appropriate agency/jurisdiction.
Researches appropriate information systems to determine prior history to assist in the safety and risk assessment of alleged victim.
Assigns and forwards cases to appropriate DCS county office or law enforcement agency for investigation.
Enters reports in the appropriate information system.
Gathers information and consults with supervisor regarding child death reports.
Maintains liaison with field Caseworkers, Child Abuse Hotline Supervisor, other DCS staff, and other interested parties in both the public and private sectors.
Ensures each call and associated documentation is processed and completed with established time parameters.
Effectively manages the interview process.
Answers questions related to the role and function of DCS and child welfare laws, policies, procedures, and practices.
Refers reporting source to other appropriate resources, agencies, organizations, etc. when information reported is not appropriate for DCS investigation.
Answers emergency calls.
Represents DCS to the public.
Documents all calls in the automated information system.
Identifies and process information to be cross reported to law enforcement and other DCS and child welfare agencies.
Determines if confidential information may be released according to State and Federal laws and regulations.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to interview and to perform the essential functions of this role. What We're Looking For:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university is required.15 semester hours or 21 quarter hours in Child Development, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Education, Healthcare, Home Economics, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Social Work, or Sociology is preferred. What You'll Need for Success:
Prior job experience in child welfare or work with children and families in a social service environment.

Must have ability to:
Continuously evaluate risk.
Recognize indicators of abuse and neglect.
Remain calm and clear-headed in crisis situations.
Apply appropriate interviewing techniques based on the individual case.
Investigate using multiple sources that provide support of recommendations and conclusions.
Make critical decisions independently.
Prepare accurate and detailed documentation of reported information.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Communicate effectively while actively listening to others.

Must have knowledge of:
Federal and State child welfare laws, policies, procedures, and practices.
Normal child development stages, processes, and milestones.
Potential effects of cultural differences on family dynamics.
Roles and responsibilities of juvenile court, law enforcement, hospitals, schools, mental health system, community agencies, and other child welfare professionals.
Physical and behavioral indicators of abuse, neglect, and mental health disturbances.
Appropriate interventions for a variety of behavioral, developmental, and psychological symptoms.
Legal issues and social work principles that effect child welfare practice.
Crisis intervention protocol.
Conflict resolution techniques.
Community resources statewide.

Training Requirements : This position requires the FCM to complete a mandatory twelve (12) week training session. The training session will consist of classroom based modules and transfer of learning modules. Classroom instruction will occur in Indianapolis, Indiana and transfer of learning will occur in the local county office. Family Case Managers must complete minimally 24 hours of training per calendar year. Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role does not provide direct supervision to direct reports.

What You'll Get in Return:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) and vision/dental coverages
  • Wellness program (offers premiums discount for the medical plan)
  • Health savings account (includes bi-weekly state contribution)
  • Deferred compensation account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • Group life insurance
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Paid vacation, personal and sick time off
  • Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs
  • 12 company paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • New Parent Leave
  • Free Parking
  • Free LinkedIn Learning
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer