CPS Practitioner II - (Family Safety Practitioner II)

Fairfax County Government; Annandale (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Fairfax County as a Child Protective Services Family Safety Practitioner, making a difference in the lives of children and families. Engage with at-risk families, assess allegations of abuse, and implement safety plans. This full-time role offers a signing bonus and various benefits, including health plans and paid leave, while promoting community well-being and equity.

Benefits

Paid leave

Health plans

Retirement

Supervision for licensing

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a bachelor’s degree.
• Two years of relevant experience or a master's degree may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Assess allegations of child abuse and neglect, interviewing involved parties.
• Implement safety planning and connect families with services.
• Document interactions and observations accurately.

Skills

Conflict management

Stress coping

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Bachelor’s degree in psychology

Bachelor’s degree in sociology

Job description

Position Overview

This position includes a signing bonus of $2,500 (full-time) for new county hires.

Do you want to be part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of children and families? As a Child Protective Services (CPS) Family Safety Practitioner, you will engage with parents and children at risk of or victims of abuse or neglect, aiming to strengthen families so they can safely care for their children. Your work will involve decisive actions, analyzing complex information, and employing intervention strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess allegations of child abuse and neglect, including interviewing involved parties in various settings.
• Utilize our practice model for comprehensive assessments of children and families, considering protective, risk, and safety factors.
• Implement appropriate actions such as safety planning, connecting families with services, providing clinical interventions, de-escalating tense situations, and making decisions about child placement.
• Collaborate with other professionals to gather and share information for informed decision-making.
• Take legal actions when necessary, including court documentation and testimonies.
• Document interactions and observations accurately and timely.
• Support on the CPS Hotline and screening of new referrals (if applicable).
• Assist practitioners providing clinical casework services (if applicable).

Qualifications for Success

• Conflict management and stress coping skills.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including on-call rotations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and across cultures.
• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Critical thinking and goal development skills.
• Ability to partner with families on issues like parenting, mental health, and substance abuse.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills to manage changing priorities.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and application of best practices.

Additional Information

Grow your career with Fairfax County, impacting community well-being daily. We promote racial and social equity policies through the One Fairfax Policy. Learn more through our videos and webpage links provided.

Benefits include paid leave, health plans, retirement, supervision for licensing, and practice guidance grounded in the Safe & Connected model.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field, plus two years of relevant experience. A master's degree may substitute for experience as specified.

Certificates and Licenses

Valid driver’s license required. Completion of mandated training within specified timelines.

Special Requirements

Background checks and participation in an on-call rotation are required. This role is essential personnel, requiring reporting during emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or related human services field.
• Experience in child protective services, foster care, or family preservation.
• Experience with court systems or family facilitation.
• Experience with diverse populations.

Physical Requirements

Ability to handle stressful situations, travel for client contact, and operate a vehicle. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Reasonable accommodations available.

Selection Process

Panel interview, possibly including a practical exercise.

Additional Notes

Fairfax County values diversity and encourages bilingual candidates to apply. We prohibit discrimination and provide accommodations for persons with disabilities. Contact information and links are provided for further assistance.