After Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Region 4/Kent

State of Washington • King County – Kent, WA

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) or Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) in training to provide case management services to clients and families in the After-hours Unit, Region 4, King County. This full-time, permanent position is in the Afterhours Unit, Kent Office. The Afterhours Specialist serves children and families throughout Region 4. This position requires time in the field and office. Travel is required in King County and at times across other regions. Transportation of children is part of this job. The After-hours Specialist serves children and families throughout Region 4. This position requires time in the field and office. Travel is required in King County and at times across other regions. Transportation of children is part of this job. In this role, you will be assigned Child Protective Services (CPS) initial intakes and assess for present danger in Region 4. As an After-Hours Social Service Specialist, your role is to assist during non-business hours. After-hours staff respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect during the times DCYF offices are closed. Local offices are closed from 5 pm to 8 am daily, on weekends, and on all holidays, but the need to assist children still exists. Our after-hours team works when offices are closed in the evenings, on weekends, overnights, and holidays. This position provides After-hours assistance for Child Protective Services (CPS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), and Family Voluntary Services (FVS).

Requirements

• Social Service Specialist 2: Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline. 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 a completed practicum. OR A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience. OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1. AND The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Social Service Specialist 3: Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline. 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 One (1) year of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs. OR A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs. 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.
• For the SSS3 level: Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
• This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work with a completed practicum.
• Prior case management experience with mandatory clients.
• Professional experience working with clients who have mental health problems, substance use disorder, developmental delays, or criminal behaviors.
• Experience assessing risk and safety regarding child abuse and neglect concerns or developing safety and service plans with families.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of child development and/or family systems.
• Knowledge and familiarity with local community services and resources.
• Prior experience displaying critical thinking skills and the use of shared decision-making.
• Strong skills in time management and organization, and the ability to develop independent systems to manage large workloads.
• Ability to make critical decisions, based on integration of information from multiple sources that may be discrepant, in high-stress situations.
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies, and delivering services accordingly.
• Able to partner effectively with clients, caregivers, colleagues, and other professionals.
• Prior experience using FamLink case management system and documenting casework information within timeframes.
• Familiarity with agency’s software programs, which include Outlook and SACWIS/CCWIS.

Responsibilities

• Placement of child(ren) in either foster care or relative care in emergent situations.
• Respond to after-hours emergent calls concerning maltreatment of children.
• Responsible for placement of child(ren) in emergent situations.
• Assess risk and safety of child(ren), coordinating safe placement of children when determined appropriate.
• Interview children, families, and collaterals such as law enforcement, probation/parole counselors, school, medical, and mental health professionals.
• Investigate and evaluate reports of child abuse and/or neglect in compliance with RCW, WAC, and DCYF policy.
• Provide ongoing risk assessment of the family and take appropriate action to protect children, correct parental deficits through services, and provide support to the family.
• Make face-to-face contact on 24-hour and 72-hour intakes.
• Respond to crisis situations of DCYF children who are placed in either foster care or relative care.
• Meet required timeframes and complete documentation/paperwork in FAMLINK.
• Work collaboratively with other social workers within other units and offices.
• Attend staff meetings and mandatory training.

Benefits

• King County Premium: The salary listed does not include the additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees.
• Assignment Pay: This position may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. This is in addition to the regular base salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level