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Child Protection Specialist
A Child Protection Specialist (CPS) is one of the most challenging opportunities in the field of social services, and can be very rewarding if you have what it takes to make a difference. The impact you have with families can be enormous and carries much responsibility. You will be able to make a difference in the lives of many children. The Division of Children and Family Services is here to assure that children at risk of abuse and neglect are protected and nurtured within a family and with the support of the community. In addition to this we are committed to improving the lives of children as a result of our attention, care and support.
On a typical day, you may receive a report alleging that a child has been abused or neglected from mandated child abuse reporters, teachers, or simply anonymous citizens. You would start the investigation of the allegations and the assessment of child safety and family functioning. You would complete this by interviewing the child, family members, involved parties and by visiting the child’s home. On another day, you may meet with a family at their home or community collaborative to discuss services to help them achieve behavior changes that will reduce the risk of child abuse or neglect. Other days may include typing up notes and assessments, placing children in out-of-home care when necessary, meeting with community service providers or testifying in court. In reality, no day is a typical day in child protection.
As you consider this position, here are a few of the key rewards and challenges of becoming a CPS:
Job Rewards
- Helping to keep children safe from harm
- Identifying a permanent home for children in out-of-home care
- Building a team with your peers
- Professional development through training and development opportunities
- Working with various public systems to make sure every family’s specific needs are met
- Knowing that you have made a positive impact
Job Challenges
- Emotional impact of observing severely abused and neglected children
- Partnering with families who may be upset and not accepting of help
- Going into homes and neighborhoods that are unfamiliar
- Accommodating the family’s needs when scheduling appointments
- Testifying in court and replying to complex questions about your assessment of safety and risk
- The workload and time frame requirements can feel demanding
If you are right for this job, it’s the best job in the world. So do you have the competencies that would make you a successful member of this team? We are looking for applicants who have essential social skills and emotional intelligence as demonstrated by following competencies:
Adaptability: The only thing constant is change. Can shift priorities when the day does not go as planned to meet the needs of families
Build Trust: Treats other with dignity, respect and fairness
Communication: Conveys information clearly and with sensitivity to cultural, gender, educational, and other individual characteristics when communicating with others
Conflict Management: Able to facilitate resolution, sizes up situations quickly when conflict arises
Continuous Learner: Continually grows professionally through on-the-job experience and applies information learned to improve skills
Cultural Competency and Inclusivity: Aware of how own personal beliefs and values influence interaction with others, unconditional positive regard
Client/Family Focus: Builds appropriate relationships with clients and families, able to gain the trust and respect of clients and families, understands their needs and expectations
Decision Making/Problem Solving: Assumes responsibility for selecting the most appropriate choice after reviewing appropriate options
Facilitating Change: Helps others overcome resistance to change
Planning and Organizing: Manages time effectively, demonstrates good organizational skills, sets priorities and meets deadlines
Stress Tolerance: Remains effective when working under stressful conditions, able to express stress in an appropriate way, enables stress reduction techniques
Teamwork and Collaboration: Builds collaborative and effective relationships with others in the organization and community
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Possesses the knowledge, skill, and expertise to do the job effectively, efficiently, safely and independently
Work Standards: Regularly achieves expected standards and displays effort and commitment to work
View Current Cuyahoga County Job Postings