What are the responsibilities and job description for the CWEP/CWTP Graduating Class 2026-DCS Specialist Trainee position at Arizona Department of Child Safety?
DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY
The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully engage children and families to ensure safety, strengthen families, and achieve permanency. DCS has field office locations located throughout the state of Arizona, with its central office located in Downtown Phoenix. DCS employs over 2,800 employees who share the common vision of ensuring children thrive in family environments free from abuse and neglect.
DCS Specialist Trainee- CWEP/CWTP 2026 Graduating Class
Posting Details
Salary: $22.5962 Hourly
Grade: 17
Closing Date: April 13, 2026
Job Summary
This recruitment is exclusively for current CWEP/CWTP students who are under contract and graduating in May 2026.
In this position, you will play a vital role in assessing child safety, supporting families, and ensuring children have safe, stable environments. Duties may include::
Your first 22 weeks will be spent in full‑time training as a Trainee, including:
Classroom instruction at the DCS Learning and Development facility in Downtown Phoenix.
On‑the‑job training at an assigned regional office.
State‑paid hotel accommodations, with meal and mileage reimbursement (if eligible).
Completion of DCS learning tracks, regional training, and CPR certification.
Successful completion of training is essential to continued employment.
Job Duties
Position Duties include but are not limited to:
Investigations
Responding to and documenting reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.
Interviewing individuals to assess family functioning and safety concerns.
Evaluating crisis situations and determining whether child removal is warranted.
Exploring foster, kinship, or group home placement options when necessary.
Ongoing
Assisting families in achieving permanency through reunification, guardianship, adoption, or the Young Adult Program.
Facilitating access to community and contracted services.
Engaging families in Child and Family Team processes.
Maintaining accurate, timely documentation of all case activity.
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Federal and State regulations related to child safety
Risk and safety assessment practices
Foster care programs
Community resources
Court processes and expectations
Computer systems and Microsoft Office Suite
Skill In
Effective verbal and written communication
Building professional relationships
Time management and organization
Problem‑solving and critical thinking
Public speaking
Ability To
Conduct interviews that gather essential information
Work collaboratively with diverse families and partners
Pre-Employment Requirements
Pre‑Employment Requirements:
Must currently be under contract with the Child Welfare Education Program (CWEP) or Child Welfare Training Program (CWTP) and graduating in May of 2026.
Employment is contingent on passing a background investigation.
Must provide awarded BSW or MSW transcripts within 30 days of graduation.
Must maintain personal transportation, valid driver’s license, and acceptable driving record, auto insurance, and Arizona registration (as required for state business travel).
Must maintain an Arizona DPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Must be able to maintain DCS Central Registry clearance (or out‑of‑state equivalent).
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits
As a DCS employee, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that may begin as soon as two weeks after your start date, including:
Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 annual holidays
Health and dental insurance options
Life insurance and long‑term disability
Optional benefits such as vision coverage, short‑term disability, supplemental life, deferred compensation, and employee wellness plans
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement
All DCS Specialist positions participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of State employment.
Contact Us
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully engage children and families to ensure safety, strengthen families, and achieve permanency. DCS has field office locations located throughout the state of Arizona, with its central office located in Downtown Phoenix. DCS employs over 2,800 employees who share the common vision of ensuring children thrive in family environments free from abuse and neglect.
DCS Specialist Trainee- CWEP/CWTP 2026 Graduating Class
Posting Details
Salary: $22.5962 Hourly
Grade: 17
Closing Date: April 13, 2026
Job Summary
This recruitment is exclusively for current CWEP/CWTP students who are under contract and graduating in May 2026.
In this position, you will play a vital role in assessing child safety, supporting families, and ensuring children have safe, stable environments. Duties may include::
- Assessing child safety and risk.
- Conducting interviews and gathering information.
- Making in-and-out of home contacts with families and children.
- Attending Court hearings.
- Preparing case plans and conducting case plan staffing.
- Authoring professional reports and filling-out documentation.
- Coordinating and monitoring services.
- Placing children, transporting children, and moving a child’s possessions when needed.
- Managing cases throughout the respective county and assigned area.
- Using a computer and the Department’s Child Welfare Software Programs.
Your first 22 weeks will be spent in full‑time training as a Trainee, including:
Classroom instruction at the DCS Learning and Development facility in Downtown Phoenix.
On‑the‑job training at an assigned regional office.
State‑paid hotel accommodations, with meal and mileage reimbursement (if eligible).
Completion of DCS learning tracks, regional training, and CPR certification.
Successful completion of training is essential to continued employment.
Job Duties
Position Duties include but are not limited to:
Investigations
Responding to and documenting reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.
Interviewing individuals to assess family functioning and safety concerns.
Evaluating crisis situations and determining whether child removal is warranted.
Exploring foster, kinship, or group home placement options when necessary.
Ongoing
Assisting families in achieving permanency through reunification, guardianship, adoption, or the Young Adult Program.
Facilitating access to community and contracted services.
Engaging families in Child and Family Team processes.
Maintaining accurate, timely documentation of all case activity.
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Federal and State regulations related to child safety
Risk and safety assessment practices
Foster care programs
Community resources
Court processes and expectations
Computer systems and Microsoft Office Suite
Skill In
Effective verbal and written communication
Building professional relationships
Time management and organization
Problem‑solving and critical thinking
Public speaking
Ability To
Conduct interviews that gather essential information
Work collaboratively with diverse families and partners
Pre-Employment Requirements
Pre‑Employment Requirements:
Must currently be under contract with the Child Welfare Education Program (CWEP) or Child Welfare Training Program (CWTP) and graduating in May of 2026.
Employment is contingent on passing a background investigation.
Must provide awarded BSW or MSW transcripts within 30 days of graduation.
Must maintain personal transportation, valid driver’s license, and acceptable driving record, auto insurance, and Arizona registration (as required for state business travel).
Must maintain an Arizona DPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Must be able to maintain DCS Central Registry clearance (or out‑of‑state equivalent).
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits
As a DCS employee, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that may begin as soon as two weeks after your start date, including:
Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 annual holidays
Health and dental insurance options
Life insurance and long‑term disability
Optional benefits such as vision coverage, short‑term disability, supplemental life, deferred compensation, and employee wellness plans
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement
All DCS Specialist positions participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of State employment.
Contact Us
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
Salary : $23