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:
Our Port Angeles office is searching for a proactive Social Service Specialist Generalist (SSS4) this position functions as a lead worker for over Social Service Specialists (2 and 3s) and acts in the absence of the supervisor. You will provide coaching, mentoring, on-the-job training, and assistance in the transition of staff from a formal training program to fieldwork. This position will typically be assigned in a small office or within a unit that includes more than one program area.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff in one or more Field Operations program areas.
• In conjunction with the supervisor, assign work, review work for efficiency, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy and compliance with the policy.
• Responsible for reporting on strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor, providing feedback for annual performance evaluations, and identifying training needs.
• 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
• Conduct referrals for psychological, psychiatric, and/or medical evaluations and treatment with other community resources and monitor the progress and effectiveness of services provided.
• Coordinate case assessment actions and complete reports to the court documenting your assessment.
• Write letters, prepare court petitions and court reports, social summaries, case notes, safety assessments/plans, and investigative assessments utilizing the structured decision-making tool.
• Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, criminal, civil,
• and administrative proceedings. Coordinate with AAG office attorneys.
• Develop strengths-based and client-involved service plans that are culturally relevant, ADA-sensitive, and individualized

What we are looking for:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 3.
OR
Three years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree or higher in social services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and four years of
experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Master’s degree in social services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

• A two-year Master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

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

• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and/or experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with families, community partners, and professionals around difficult or sensitive topics.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with child caregivers.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and assess risk and safety in all cases as defined by law and best practice.

How do I apply?
Complete your full applicant profile with your work history and highest education details, and include a copy of your college transcripts. Resume’s and cover letters are not required but recommended.

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.

Supplemental Information:
Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1 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.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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.

Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 280-3705 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.

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.

2023-06494