Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (Sss3) - Forks

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: Social Service Specialist 2-3 - In-Training (SSS3)

Location: Forks, WA

Closes: 7/11/24

Salary:  $4,968 - $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 anticipated hire date for this position is 9/1/24

We're looking for a Social Service Specialist (SSS3) to join us in the beautiful Northwest at our Forks office. You will develop an intimate knowledge of the Forks area, community partners, and tribes as well as becoming a valued member of the DCYF team. You may also support the Port Angeles office CPS Unit when you complete training.  Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in your community? Apply today

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

This Social Service Specialist position will perform advanced-level work in the investigation, assessment, and ongoing case management of families receiving services, focusing on child safety, permanency, and wellbeing.

Some of what you'll do:

• Investigate/assess and evaluate reports of child abuse and/or neglect.

• Provide comprehensive assessments of casework needs for children and families.

• Assess placement needs with families, to create nurturing environments for each child's cultural and family connections.

• Provide psychosocial summaries, home studies, and other appropriate correspondence to outside agencies.

• Monitor the health and safety of children by regular visitation in the placement facility and other settings.

• Provide case management services to facilitate out-of-home placements including management of court responsibilities for dependency actions.

• Prepare required legal documents for court, placement, medical, and travel as well as case reviews and service delivery.

• Document case activities and maintain case records within FamLink for child placement and child/family services.

Salary Ranges:

The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.

• A Social Service Specialist 3 at Range 58 makes $5,214 - $7,016.
• A Social Service Specialist 2 at Range 56 makes $4,968 - $6,676.

What we are looking for at each level:

Social Service Specialist 2: 

• Five (5) 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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 have included assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• 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 familiarity with community resources the local community.

• 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 position is included in the 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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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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