CPS Social Service Specialist 1-3 In Training (Sss3) - Centralia

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy- thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community."  

Job Title: CPS Social Service Specialist 1-3 In Training (SSS3)

Location: Centralia, WA

Closes: 7/5/24

Salary:  $4,385  - $7,016 Monthly. This position may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. This is in addition to the regular base salary; the required duties include performing visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect to assess the safety of vulnerable children. The listed salary does not include a 3% general salary increase effective 7/1.  

We're looking for a Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialist to join our amazing Centralia team.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

In this role, you will assess complex family situations, interview children and parents, evaluate child safety, develop plans to protect children in their homes, and offer services to children and families.

Some of what you'll do:

• Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse.

• Provide ongoing safety and risk assessment throughout the life of the case and take appropriate action to protect children, correct parental deficits through services, and provide support to the family.

• Provide comprehensive and ongoing assessment of casework needs for child, parent(s)/guardian, and foster parent(s) with a focus on child safety.

• Assess the need for out-of-home placement, and work with the family to find the most appropriate placement.

• Monitor the health and safety of children by regular visitation.

• Utilize FamLink to document case activities and maintain case records.

• Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.

What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):

The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, however, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 1 and 2 levels, with two different options to meet the qualifications through an In-Training plan.

In-Training Plan Option #1 - Experience with Required Credits OR Degree with the Required Credits

Applicants applying under this training option must have at least four (4) years of on the job social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Social Service, Human Service, or Behavioral Science, or any completed Bachelor's degree field that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.

• Social Service Specialist 1: Four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline; no experience necessary.

• Social Service Specialist 2: Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience OR a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences AND a completed Practicum OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.

• Social Service Specialist 3: Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience* OR Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience* OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2. *Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

In-Training Plan Option #2 - Experience or Degree without the Required Credits

This option is for applicants who have four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and do not have 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire OR applicants who have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an unrelated field and do not have the required 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire.

This option is great for candidates who have some or most of the required credits and only need to complete a few classes to meet this requirement. Applicants who apply under this hiring option will begin employment at the Social Service Specialist 1 level and must complete the educational course requirements within 18 months of hire to advance to the next in-training step.

Salary Ranges:

• Social Service Specialist 1: Range 51 ($4,385. - $5,900)
• Social Service Specialist 2: Range 56 ($4,968 - $6,676)
• Social Service Specialist 3: Range 58 ($5,214 - $7,016)

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

• 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.

• Demonstrated ability to implement risk assessment in all cases as defined by law and best practice using the agency-preferred risk assessment model.

• Demonstrated knowledge of FamLink system for documentation within program and manual standards, accountability requirements, and agency's documentation expectations.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

•  Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)  

•  Cover Letter

•  Current resume detailing experience and education.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.  If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

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 recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies

This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  For more information: https://wfse.org/

Incumbent must hold a valid driver's license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business.

The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

Degrees 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 a 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.

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388. 

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