Description

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve, and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.

Do you want to help families and communities safely care for their children? We're looking for a Child Protective Services Specialist (CPS) to help protect children from harm, working toward the common goal of eliminating child and youth outcome disparities based on race and ethnicity. Our vision is that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

The Opportunity:
Social Service Specialist 2-3 (In-Training)

Are you looking for a way to gain experience in the rewarding social services field? We are looking to hire entry-level or experienced Social Service Specialists to work in communities served by our Centralia field office.

This is a great opportunity for those starting in social work to gain experience in the field or an incredible way to advance your career if you already have social service experience.

If you are passionate about caring for children and providing them the support they desperately need, ensuring they are being provided the comfort that their best interests are at heart, our Social Service Specialist 3 may be your next career. This position is responsible for assessing and intervening on assigned intakes to protect children from abuse and neglect. As such, these types of positions can be highly stressful as you are responsible for protecting children from risk and harm whenever indicated with little supervision.

Here is some of what you'll do:

• Investigate all assigned referrals of child abuse, neglect, or sexual molestation including interviewing the child, family members, and collateral sources to determine the facts of the case.
• Obtain data necessary to protect the child and to assist the child and family to receive appropriate services.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and follows investigative protocols.
• Develop and implement case plans, collaboratively with others, that protect children from harm.
• Provide ongoing assessment of safety and risk; assess resource needs of children, parents, and other caregivers, and provide stabilization supports.
• Identify and develop community supports and resources.
• Assess the parent’s commitment and potential for significant behavioral changes necessary to meet the needs of the children and to correct parental deficiencies.
• Develop strengths-based and client-involved service plans with the family to address assessed areas of need.
• Implement culturally relevant ADA-sensitive, and individualized service plans with clients which are goal-directed, have specific behavioral objectives, and are time-limited.
• Document case activities and maintain case records in the federally designated electronic case management system (Currently FamLink).
• Initiate payments within the electronic case management system for child/family services and placement.
• Consult with attorneys and court-appointed personnel and prepare/present testimony and statements at hearings.

Salary Ranges
Social Services Specialist 2 - $4,656 - $6,260
Social Services Specialist 3 - $4,892 - $6,575

What we are looking for:
Although the goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 and 3 levels, with a training plan to advance to a Social Service Specialist 3. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the following levels:

**Degree must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org .

**Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S. Incomplete applications may be screened out of the recruitment process.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Ability to effectively communicate and work with management, peers, clients, community colleagues, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, use of shared decision-making strategies, and use of highly skilled interviewing techniques.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on the delivery of child protective and child welfare services within Washington State and deliver services accordingly.
• Ability to implement risk assessment in all cases as defined by law and best practice using the agency-preferred risk assessment model.
• Ability to fully utilize shared decision-making processes for making case plans.

How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile with your full work history and highest education details, and attach a copy of your college transcripts. A resume and cover letter are not required but are recommended.

Supplemental Information:

**Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1 (Download PDF reader) state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation**

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.

The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications with comments such as "see attachments" or "N/A" in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 280-3705 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388

Experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application? Call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

2023-01734