Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services (DCS):

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our  MVP foundation:

 

Mission : Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
Vision : Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
Purpose : Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview:

The DCS Investigator assists local staff by providing information to locate parents, absent fathers, relatives, and any other persons over the age of 18 who are possible connections of interest at the onset of a case and as the case progresses. This requires complex, challenging, and time-consuming investigative work. This position is responsible for their DCS local offices and regions as assigned.

The preferred candidate will have:

• Completed the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (or similar) training.
• A background in investigations. 
• Current law enforcement working relationships and contacts within a team environment.
• Good working knowledge and competency in the use of computers and complex internet search engines.

This is a remote position assigned to North-central Indiana. Most work will be remote with occasional office hours in one of the local DCS offices. Residency in the service area is preferred.

Salary :

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 , but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Establish program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
• Develop, update, and monitor all policies and procedures related to the program area.
• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to leadership or customers.
• Implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
• Analyze, prepare, and disseminate monthly and annual program reports.
• Review budget and make budgetary recommendations to improve the program area finances.
• Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.
• Assist in the development and train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
• Coordinator and deliver communication plans and communications.
• Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.
• Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile 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.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education. 
• Specialized knowledge of program area including pertinent rules and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
• Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of accounting and budget principles.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

A degree is not required. However, at least 7+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov .

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