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Child Abuse and Neglect Special Investigator

Date Posted: Sep 9, 2025

Requisition ID: 465232

Location:

Fort Wayne, IN, US, 46806

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:

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 Child Abuse and Neglect Special Investigator works in a County Office to support Family Case Managers and Supervisors as a consultant and mentor on forensic interview skills and techniques. The Investigator develops and maintains communications and working relationships inside and outside the agency, particularly with professionals associated with law enforcement investigations. You will provide expert consultation to Family Case Managers, Supervisors, and the community on complex issues associated with forensic child abuse and neglect investigations. You will also be a community liaison for trainings, work groups, child protection teams, etc.

This position is in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and will serve Allen County.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/) to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

+ Conduct investigations of difficult child abuse and neglect cases with FCMs, as required by management. Has on-call responsibilities when serious injury/endangerment situations occur after regular work hours.

+ Serve as a consultant and mentor to FCMs and FCM Supervisors on forensic interview skills and techniques.

+ Develop and maintains communication and working relationships within and outside the agency, particularly with professionals associated with law enforcement investigations. Demonstrates DCS' mission, vision, and values in all aspects of these working relationships.

+ Provide expert consultation to FCMs and FCM Supervisors and the community on complex issues associated with forensic child abuse and neglect investigations.

+ Conducts in-depth interviews, in accordance with DCS practice, to accurately obtain information to assist in determining the immediate or long-term risk of abuse or neglect.

+ Model advanced interviewing techniques for other DCS staff.

+ Serve as a mentor to FCMs in regards to advanced interviewing techniques.

+ Provide recommendations of agency intervention based on a comprehensive and collaborative assessment of child safety, risk and needs, as well as family dynamics and functioning.

+ Prepare and provides sufficient case documentation (including forms and narratives) to provide a complete and accurate record on cases, including legal documentation or testifying in court for all necessary court cases.

+ Review cases identified by FCMs or FCM Supervisors for specific risk factors or assistance with forensic investigation techniques to assure a thorough evaluation of the abuse and/or neglect allegations.

+ Determine risk of harm to children within the context of child welfare best practices.

+ Analyze reports and produces comprehensive documents regarding findings.

+ Serve as a liaison to the community in a variety of settings (trainings, work groups, child protection team meetings, etc.).

+ Attend training and participates in professional development as required by the agency and/or your supervisor

+ Maintain fidelity to the DCS Practice Model and DCS' Mission, Vision, Values in daily work.

+ Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or local office director.

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:

+ Law enforcement experience, other Law Enforcement Agent experience, or Military Criminal Investigation experience.

+ Required: 10 years of experience as a law enforcment officer.

+ Preferred: Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university.

+ Preferred: 2 years' experience as a detective investigating and working with multi-disciplinary teams on the investigation of child abuse and neglect or other crimes against persons.

+ Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports.

+ Ability to communicate articulately for court testimony.

+ Knowledge of State and local government, and the ability to work with State and local elected officials.

+ Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

+ Excellent research and writing skills.

+ Strong problem solving, oral and written communication and conflict resolution skills.

+ Strong organization and time management skills.

+ Able to analyze complex situations.

+ Able to see the "big picture" and to collaborate with community organizations and other DCS stakeholders.

+ Able to maintain effective working relationships with other members of DCS and other stakeholders.

+ Knowledge of Indiana criminal and civil law relating to abuse and neglect of children.

+ Knowledge of forensic interviewing techniques.

+ Knowledge of community resources, particularly within the law enforcement community, and their use for addressing child abuse and neglect problems.

+ Skill in applying crisis intervention techniques.

+ This is a testing designated position.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

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 [email protected].

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