Protective Services Specialist Nome; PCN

Come join the State of Alaska!

This job class uses Competency Based minimum qualifications (MQs). Please read the Competency Based MQ instructions below to learn more.

The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for full‑time Protective Service Specialist 1/2/3 in Nome, Alaska.

This position is open to All Applicants.

• Investigate reports of abuse and/or neglect.
• Prepare plans for intervention by soliciting the cooperation of the family and others.
• Gather information about family dynamics/functionality.
• Develop plans to ensure child safety while assisting parents in addressing their diminished protective factors.
• Place children out of the home with a relative or licensed foster home when necessary.
• Provide ongoing and/or in‑home services to families.
• Coordinate referrals to other service providers and agencies.
• Write and submit reports to Court.
• Work closely with Tribal/Community Partners.
• Maintain frequent face‑to‑face and telephonic contact with parents and caregivers of children in custody.
• Travel as required dependent on the client location.
• Make referrals to other service providers and agencies.

For more information: OCS Practice Model.

The Mission of the Office of Children's Services is:
Ensuring the safety, permanency and well‑being of children by strengthening families, engaging communities, and partnering with Tribes.

The Office of Children's Services is dedicated to a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount. Employees all contribute to building a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.

Everything we do is underpinned by our Core Values.

The Office of Children's Services is committed to an organizational culture that values each team member. We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We celebrate and value the diversity of our employees, partners, and families we serve.

Your first twelve months in the agency are probationary and considered a training period, with formal virtual training, on‑the‑job training with your supervisor, and with other colleagues.

Full‑time benefits of this position include insurance benefits, retirement benefits, paid leave, and twelve paid holidays per year. See the benefits tab on this posting for more information.

This position is based out of the Nome office. The incumbent must travel in small aircraft, all‑terrain vehicles, or small boats to remote villages, communities, or rural locations in Alaska. Some of the communities are not equipped with modern conveniences, hotels, or bed and breakfasts so the employee must be prepared to sleep in offices, schools, tribal community buildings, or other accommodation if an overnight visit is required.

Frequency of travel is expected to be 4+ times a month. There may be day trips and occasional overnight stays in rustic conditions with some exposure to extreme weather conditions in the winter. You may also have the opportunity to assist other field offices within the Northern Region for a few days on an as‑needed basis.

This position provides the opportunity to serve communities throughout the region while experiencing the unique and diverse landscapes of Alaska. Staff work in partnership with village Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) workers, Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO), and local schools, to support the safety and well‑being of children and families. There is strong leadership and a genuine commitment to staff support and professional growth.

The team is mission‑driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to supporting one another in fulfilling this important work.

The work performed is critical and significantly impacts the communities we serve. As a result Office of Children’s services works on evenings, weekends as well as weekdays, so overtime and working on‑call on a rotational basis are expectations of our workers.

• Stress Tolerance:
  Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations (for example, tight…