- What are the most common signs of child abuse in a home? …
- How would you approach a child who has been abused and refuses to speak? …
- What key questions would you ask a neighbor reporting child abuse?
Child Protective Investigators: Interviews
Why do you want to work for CPS?
Meaningful purpose is the obvious and a good answer. You should elaborate on it though. One thing is wanting to help neglected children (and families in crisis), another one having what it takes to do so. Ensure the interviewers that your education has prepared you for the role. What’s more, you are an excellent listener, and you can spot whether someone is telling the truth. Children generally trust you, and open up in front of you. And you have some mental resilience which will help you to handle what you will see in the job daily–the pictures that tend to stay in our mind.
To sum it up, you know why you want to have the job, and you also feel ready to do it well, after an initial training.
Elements of a Physical Exam
A visual review of your child’s body is what a physical exam entails. The CPS worker can examine the child who is the alleged victim of abuse or neglect as well as any other child that lives in your home as well.
The CPS investigator is looking for cuts or bruises that may be evidence of abuse. In the case of neglect, poor hygiene, diaper rash (severe) or signs of malnutrition are being will be looked for. For female children, a female investigator will conduct the examination. Likewise for male children, a male investigator will conduct the investigation.
How do you feel about working overtime, or visiting a family in the middle of the night?
Child abuse and neglect is not governed by standard working hours. Problems may arise at any time of the day, and you may be called to accompany a policeman to a flat in the middle of the night, on Saturday.
But this is not only your job, a place where you go to earn money. You consider it your calling, or personal mission if you want, and hence you are ready to answer a call of duty, at any hour. Ensure the interviewers that you won’t hesitate to rise from a bed when a well-being of a child is at risk.
2. Describe your strategies for crisis intervention.
Crisis intervention is a planned response to a clients distress or unexpected situation. The hiring manager may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution abilities and determine if you can apply them to CPS functions. To answer, focus on strategies that prioritize the client, like listening and communication.
Example: “I worked in the mental health care unit for children at the local hospital, and the kids all had a favorite nurse who had worked there for a long time. When she retired, many of the children had negative responses. I expected this may happen and planned a going-away party for her in the unit so the kids could say goodbye. We introduced them to the new caretaker at the same party for an easier transition. I communicated with each child and actively listened as they expressed their feelings about the change in staff.”
