CPS/FAR Social Service Specialist 2/3 (SSS3) – Everett
**This recruitment has been extended to attract a larger applicant pool. Applicants that have previously applied do not need to reapply. We have multiple vacancies. **
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."
We're looking for a CPS/FAR Social Service Specialist (SSS3) to join our team. Although the goal class for this position is a Social Service Specialist 3, we welcome candidates to apply at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to Social Service Specialist 3.
The Opportunity: Social Service Specialist 3( or SSS2 In-Training)
DCYF is currently seeking a proactive learner and resilient contributor to join our Roving Unit located in the Everett Regional office. This position will provide time-limited support services to the Region 3 field offices based on business needs by investigating, within required timeframes, all assigned reports of child abuse or neglect. This position ensures timely assessment of risk and safety and is not an ongoing case carrying position. As a Roving CPS/FAR caseworker, you will engage in critical thinking through shared decision making and case planning and protect children from the risk of harm whenever such risks are indicated. This position receives little supervision and the incumbent exercises independent judgment in devising their work methods to provide an advanced level of specialized, culturally competent, and solution-focused case management.
This position also has the opportunity to be a hybrid onsite/telework office situation and local travel is a primary role in this position. If you are passionate about caring for children and providing the support they desperately need while ensuring they are being provided the tools and comfort to thrive, our Roving Social Service Specialist may be your next career. Apply today and see what DCYF is all about!
Some of what you will get to do:
- Lead assessments and interventions on assigned intakes to determine child safety and take protective action as needed.
- Apply child welfare practice principles, laws, rules, and policy in assessing and intervening on assigned intakes or cases to protect children and deliver needed services to families referred to Investigation and FAR
- Meet all casework management directives required by law, policy, and other mandates
- Investigate allegations, assess complex family situations, and develop plans to protect children either in their own homes or out of home care through the intervention of the court system
- Interview children, families, and collateral sources to assess risks to children and determine family needs.
- Create referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies, medical evaluations, and forensic interviews.
- Work with diverse family groups, including military and Native American families.
- Evaluate the progress of children and families using verbal and written reports from providers.
- Document case activities and maintain case records in the electronic case management system (currently Famlink)
- Focus on understanding and respecting the strengths of families including their heritage, cultural beliefs and values, communication, and learning styles
- Develop strengths-based and client-involved service plans that are culturally relevant, ADA-sensitive, and individualized and make referrals for necessary services
- Develop effective partnerships with the family, service providers, and others to address primary safety risks and concerns through cultural competency and strength-based communication.
- Occasionally prepare and file dependency petitions, consult with attorneys and court-appointed personnel, and prepare and present testimony and statements at hearings.
Who we are looking for?
Although the goal class for this position is a Social Service Specialist 3, we welcome candidates to apply at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to a Social Service Specialist 3. The hiring manager will evaluate which level you qualify for.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Possible Combinations
Education
Experience
Social Service Specialist 2
Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, or an allied field.
One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1).
Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, or an allied field.
Two (2) years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
Master's Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, or an allied field.
One (1) year of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
A completed practicum
Social Service Specialist 3
Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, or an allied field.
One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2).
Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, or an allied field.
Three (3)years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
AND
One year of paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Master's Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Behavioral Sciences, or an allied field.
Two (2) years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A completed practicum
AND
One year of paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Qualifying Degrees: Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Child Development, Human Development, Family Studies, Pastoral Counseling, Anthropology, Therapeutic Recreation, Education, Therapeutic fields, Criminal Justice, Law & Justice, African American Studies, Native American Studies, Chicano Studies, Women’s Studies, International Human Rights.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following core competencies:
- Experience in Indian Child Welfare
- Ability to make critical decisions, based on the integration of information from multiple sources that may be discrepant, in high-stress situations.
- Engage children and families under difficult circumstances, to gather information to make accurate and precise decisions.
- Proven ability to identify problems, develop and implement solutions.
- Ability to remain calm when being confronted and to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Successfully manage competing priorities.
- Ability to successfully work as part of a cohesive team, while also performing independently in a variety of settings.
Ready to join our team?
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 Proclamation 21-14 (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**
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.
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 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 before attaching it.
Benefits to include: medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, sick leave, vacation leave, paid holidays and stock options available.
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