CPS Investigations & Assessments Senior Specialist

Loudoun County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Loudoun County Department of Family Services seeks a dedicated and experienced professional for its CPS Investigations & Assessments Senior Specialist position. The successful candidate will join the Child Protective Services program within the Department of Family Services, which envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all. We support individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self- determination. Lead Critical Response | Mentor Staff | Protect Children and Families This is a mission-critical position requiring strong investigative judgment, supervisory readiness, and the ability to coach others in a fast-paced environment. The Senior CPS Investigation & Assessment Specialist serves as a senior-level lead worker, providing day-to-day technical guidance, case consultation, onboarding support, and staff training. This role also provides supervisory coverage as needed, including directing workflow, supporting case decisions, and ensuring continuity of operations in the supervisor's absence. The selected candidate will investigate high-risk allegations of abuse and neglect, including but not limited to sexual abuse, human trafficking, severe physical abuse, and out-of-family investigations. The role requires comprehensive family assessments, immediate safety planning, crisis intervention, and collaboration with internal and external partners. Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Lead complex CPS investigations and family assessments involving urgent child safety concerns. Conduct forensic-quality interviews with children, parents, guardians, and collateral contacts. Assess danger, risk, and protective capacities using trauma-informed and strengths-based practices. Develop and monitor safety plans, service plans, and case recommendations. Provide mentorship, coaching, and training to new and existing CPS staff. Supervise interns and assist with workforce development initiatives. Serve in a leadership capacity during supervisor absences. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local policy requirements, including documentation timeliness and quality standards. Maintain accurate case records in state and local data systems. Respond to after-hours or emergency crisis situations as assigned. Support special projects, quality improvement efforts, and operational initiatives. This position is eligible for a $3,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County's Hiring and Retention Bonus Program. Hiring salary commensurate with experience,Bachelor's degree required, with major coursework in a Human Services field preferred, AND three (3) years of directly related experience in a human services area.

Preferred:

Experience handling high-risk or complex child welfare cases. Demonstrated ability to lead others, coach peers, and function in a supervisory capacity. Strong written documentation, courtroom readiness, and verbal communication skills. Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities. Prior lead worker, acting supervisor, or formal supervisory experience. Experience training new staff or facilitating learning sessions. Court testimony experience. Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, child development, and family systems. Bilingual abilities are a plus. Pass pre-employment background checks to include criminal, fingerprinting, credit, CPS/APS, and DMV checks. Valid driver's license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification). Hold or obtain certifications such as CPR if required for the assigned position. Obtain specific training, such as CPS/Foster Care/APS state training as required or desired for the assigned area.