The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is aiming to improve child welfare by hiring statewide for more than 50 new second shift Child Protective Services (CPS) investigators. The second shift offers a 10-hour, 4-day workweek (1:30 p.m. to midnight), alternating weekends off.
As the Louisiana Radio Network (LRN) reports, this statewide hiring effort follows the deaths of two toddlers three years ago. DCFS Chief of Staff Ashley Sias says the two children had been reported to the agency but died before understaffed and overworked caseworkers could respond.
Such cases led to the acknowledgement that more must be done during off hours which includes nights, weekends and holidays, not just Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. “We wanna provide some support and relief to our folks who are already working throughout the day and, provide that on the night shift.”
Sias says they’ve received more than 800 applications to fill those positions across the state. The agency says, “Second Shift CPS Investigators will partner with law enforcement, educators, and healthcare providers to assess child safety and intervene when necessary.”
DCFS Secretary-Designee Rebecca Harris tells potential applicants that they do not need a social work degree to apply. And she added, “Retired first responders looking for a new way to serve are encouraged to apply.”
While having to work weekends on occasion can be less than ideal, Harris added that working second shift does have its advantages, like additional pay. “Starting salary is going to be about $20 per hour, and then we have approved a shift differential policy,” says Harris. “So, individuals that work second shift will receive an additional $4 per hour worked.”
New positions begin employment as early as September 15, with applications open through the Louisiana State Civil Service job site, LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed. You are encouraged to apply now or learn more at dcfs.la/secondshift.
