INTERNAL ONLY Central Intake Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Seattle

State of Washington•King County - Seattle - Pioneer Square, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 to join their Central Intake Office in Seattle. This position is responsible for performing assessments and responding to telephone and written reports of abuse, neglect, and other child welfare service requests. The Central Intake unit operates 24/7 and provides services to Region 4 during weekday/non-holiday hours and statewide at all other times. This role gathers information, performs risk and safety assessments, screens cases, and refers families to appropriate services. The position also handles intake services for programs like Child Protective Services (CPS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), and Family Voluntary Services (FVS). Additionally, it involves working with the Licensing Division (LD) on complaints/infractions, providing crisis call management for the End-Harm Line, and processing ICPC/ICAMA requests. This is a full-time, telework position with mandatory monthly in-person unit meetings and occasional in-person training, unit retreats, and all-staff meetings. The assigned workstation is in the Seattle Pioneer Square/Stadium District.

Requirements

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 a 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 a 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 year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
AND The ability to take action to learn and grow and 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.

Nice To Haves

Previously demonstrated ability to use and knowledge of FamLink standards and requirements.
Previous demonstrated work experience displaying the ability to evaluate, analyze, and assess risk and safety in all cases as defined by law and best practice and implement appropriate procedures using the agency-preferred risk and safety assessment tools.
Previous demonstrated work experience displaying the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply applicable laws, rules, and policies on delivery of child protective and child welfare services within Washington State and deliver services accordingly.
Completed Master's Degree in Social Work and have case management experience.
Previous experience in Child Welfare, such as: CPS, FAR, FRS, FVS, CFWS, Permanency/Adoptions.
Experience assessing risk and safety regarding child abuse and neglect concerns or developing safety and service plans with families.
Knowledge and familiarity with the local community and resources.
Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
Experience with FamLink and documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

Document and process reports of child abuse and neglect and service requests from any source and produce complete work product within established timeframes.
Interview referrers and document information received, including asking clarifying questions; obtain details; assess the information provided.
Conduct thorough data searches including but not limited to DAPS, ACES, DOH/WHALES, SCOMIS, SEMS, FORS, BARCODE, Client Registry, RSO websites, reverse address/phone numbers to obtain additional pertinent information, to assist in assessing risk and protective factors and determining screening decisions.
Conduct thorough FamLink searches including persons involved, history, findings, assessments, case notes, case activity, placement history, facility complaints, children currently in a foster home (for DLR intakes).
Consult with supervisor on all intakes regarding children requiring emergent response due to current threats of danger and risk of imminent harm.
Create Intake/Case Notes to the appropriate program and document all pertinent information.
Seek and update the most recent address and demographic information and update person cards in FamLink as new information becomes available.
Seek and document the legal status of all children involved.
Develop resources directly associated with job functions, such as information and referrals to community resources.
Report fatalities, near fatalities, serious incidents, and employee-related reports to a supervisor and assist in completing critical incident reports (AIRS).