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. 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: FVS Social Service Specialist 2 (in-training) or Social Service Specialist 3

We are looking for an experienced Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) or candidate at the SSS2 level with an in-training plan to advance to a Social Service Specialist 3. This Social Service Specialist will join the Family Voluntary Servic es (FVS) Unit at the Arlington Office, serving Snohomish County communities within Region 3. This position engages in service provision; critical thinking through shared decision-making and case planning and protects children from risk of harm whenever such risks are indicated. The FVS Specialist provides an advanced level of specialized, culturally competent, and solution-focused case management with a focus on understanding and respecting the strengths of the clients including their heritage, cultural beliefs and values, communication, and learning styles.

Some of what you'll get to do:

• Manage an FVS caseload by providing skilled therapeutic services to families which involves crisis intervention, family counseling, and making appropriate referrals to other DCYF programs, community agencies, and law enforcement.
• Meet timeframes for child/family health and safety visits and sibling visits.
• Provide assessment, service planning, casework, court, and teaming services on assigned cases within required timelines.
• Develop, implement and monitor safety plans as required by policy.
• Supervise voluntary placements while continuing to work with children and parents to resolve abuse/neglect issues necessitating placement in order for reunification to occur as soon as safety and adequacy of care are assured.
• Coordinate with Children's Health and Education Track (CHET) Social Service Specialists to ensure children are screened for behavioral, health and educational needs for youth placed voluntarily.
• Coordinate with schools to ensure staff is aware of services in place and that children receive appropriate educational supports and services.
• Utilize FamLink to document case activities and maintain case records within program standards, accountability requirements and the agency’s documentation practice.
• Initiate payments within FamLink for child placement and child/family services in a timely and accurate manner.
• Attend and participate in court hearings as a witness and/or petitioner, and provide court testimony.
• Prepare and submit required legal documents and petitions for court, placement, and service delivery.
• Develop and monitor case plans that will address the risk factors and safety concerns identified in the Safety assessment for conditions for return home.

Who Should Apply? Social Service Specialists 2's or 3's
Although the goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to Social Service Specialist 3. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the following levels:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

NOTE: 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.

• For Degrees obtained outside the U.S.: Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application. 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:

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Experience providing strength-based, solution-focused services to families.
• Experience providing ongoing assessment of risk for routine social service functions.
• Previously demonstrated case management experience with mandatory clients.
• Previously demonstrated experience working in fast-paced, high-stress environments.
• Previously demonstrated knowledge of child development and/or family systems.
• Previously demonstrated ability to successfully manage competing priorities.
• Previously demonstrated effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.

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**

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 it.

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.

These positions are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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

The initial screening is 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.

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.

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