After-Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Ellensburg

State of Washington • Kittitas County – Ellensburg, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for an After-Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) in Ellensburg, WA. The role involves responding to and investigating reports of child abuse and neglect during non-business hours when local Division of Children and Family Service offices are closed. The goal is to ensure that all Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community. The position offers scheduling flexibility based on availability and requires rapid, in-person response within Kittitas County. The incumbent will perform visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations and assess the safety of vulnerable children.

Requirements

• Social Service Specialist 2: Five (5) years of paid social service experience 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 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 completed practicum.
• OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• Social Service Specialist 3: Six (6) years of paid social service experience 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 AND The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
• Minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to appropriately apply child safety and risk assessment to a variety of complex situations involving child abuse and neglect and imminent risk of serious harm.
• Prior experience displaying critical thinking skills and the use of shared decision-making.
• Prior experience using FAMLINK case management system and documenting casework information within timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergent requests and other after-hours requests.
• Meet required timeframes and complete documentation/paperwork in the FAMLINK database.
• Gather and document sufficient information to assess present danger and take protective action if danger is identified.
• Conduct 24-hour emergent face-to-face contacts for CPS Investigation cases.
• Conduct 72-hour non-emergent face-to-face contacts for CPS/FAR cases.
• Conduct monthly Health and Safety visits on CFWS and FVS cases.
• Observe and document the living environment, physical condition, and behaviors of children.
• Follow Agency Policy for Photograph Documentation when photographing a child's physical condition or environment to document child abuse or neglect.
• Respond to Protective Custody inquiries, partnering with law enforcement when needed.

Benefits

• 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3.
• DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs for training when eligible for travel from assigned duty location.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level