Description

This continuous recruitment will be used to fill multiple vacancies in CPS (Child Protective Services) or CFWS (Child and Family Welfare Services). Applications are reviewed regularly.

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. 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 Specialists 1-3)
We are looking for Social Service Specialists to join our dynamic team in the Bellingham Office to help support and protect children, youth, and families in Region 3. If you have a passion for helping youth, have experience in the field of child and family social services (or are looking to gain experience) or you are a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Criminology or a related field we encourage you to apply. We are willing to invest resources into training and preparing you to be a case-carrying Social Service Specialist. This means we are hiring individuals at the Social Service Specialist 1 or 2 level, with an in-training plan to become a Social Service Specialist 3. As a Social Service Specialist, you will be working in a CPS or CFWS unit assessing child safety and providing resources and support to families.

Social Service Specialist 1:
As a Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1), you will work in a supportive role to the Social Service Specialist team by transporting children, monitoring/supervising family and sibling visits, and providing computer/filing support. Additionally, you assist the Social Service Specialist 2s and 3s with accomplishing duties and tasks in support of the DCYF mission and values.

Social Service Specialists 2 and 3:
In this role you will;

• Provide strength-based and solution-focused services to ongoing cases for families.
• Assess and intervene on referrals or cases to protect children, and plan for permanent living arrangements for children assuring health and education needs are met.
• Provide assessment and planning of cases that include immediate family, extended family, and children.
• Assist with coordination of case assessment actions while utilizing solution-based casework principles.
• Consult with agency attorney, and prepare required legal documents for court, placement, and service delivery.
• Provide ongoing assessment of risk for routine social service functions using the agency preferred risk assessment model.
• Use shared planning activities to obtain input from others who are closely concerned with the case, and to help develop and coordinate case plans.
• Assist in placing children in foster care or other approved placements, and prepare children for visitation with family and siblings.
• Assess risks and dynamics of reunification, adoption, guardianship, and third-party custody.
• Prepare and provide expert testimony in court trials and hearings.
  

What we are looking for:
Social Service Specialists 1-3 who have one of the following combinations of education and experience. The Hiring Manager will determine your starting level based on your specific education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

• Ability to make critical decisions, based on the integration of information from multiple sources that may be discrepant, in high-stress situations.
• Ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances and gather information to make accurate and precise decisions.
• Proven ability to identify problems, and develop and implement solutions.
• Ability to communicate information both orally and in writing so others will understand.
• Ability to remain calm when being confronted and to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully manage competing priorities.

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 is conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.

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.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 870-3221 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.

To take advantage of the 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.

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