Social Service Specialist 4 (Sss4) - Belonging House/Vancouver

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 4 (SSS4)

Location: Vancouver, WA (Belonging House) We currently have openings for day, swing, and graveyard shifts.

Closes: 9/25/24

Salary:  $5,615 - $7,552 Monthly

This recruitment has been reposted for additional applications. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply- your application status remains unchanged.

We are looking for a Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to lead a team of Social Service Specialists at the Vancouver Belonging House. The Belonging House may serve up to seven youths, with a staff ratio of one Social Service Specialist or Support Specialist to three youths.   If you have a passion for leadership and making a difference in your community, apply today.  

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

This position will require the ability to manage crisis situations calmly and demonstrate de-escalation skills. The SSS4 will always model positive pro-social behavior with youth and staff at Belonging House. This position will coordinate with the primary assigned Social Service Specialist to assist in managing the youth's case plan and ensure the proper coordination and implementation of appropriate services.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff.

• Assign work, review work for efficiency, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy and compliance with policy.

• Supervise youth with complex mental health, developmental and behavioral needs.

• Report on strengths and opportunities of employees to their direct supervisor.

• Serve as Lead Worker assigned the most complex cases.

• Report on strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor.

• Provide feedback for annual performance evaluations and identify training needs.

• Provide coverage for social service staff in their absence.

• Fill in as supervisor in the supervisor's absence.

What we're looking for (Required Qualifications):

Seven years of paid social service experience. Paid Social Service experience must include at least one-year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline completed at a college recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

OR

One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.

OR

A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or Master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3. A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

OR

A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences OR with 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline and three years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.

• Paid Social Service experience which must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Previously demonstrated case management experience.

• Previously demonstrated knowledge of child development and/or family systems.

• Previously demonstrated professional experience working with clients who have mental health problems, substance use disorder, developmental delays, or criminal behavior.

• Previously demonstrated ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances, to gather information to make accurate and precise decisions.

• Previously demonstrated experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies and delivering services accordingly.

• Previously demonstrated familiarity with agency's software programs, which include Outlook and FamLink.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

•  Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes)

•  Current resume detailing experience and education.

•  Cover Letter

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 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.

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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