CPS/CFWS Social Service Specialist 1-3 In Training (SSS3) - Tumwater

State of Washington • Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Our vision 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". This position is for a CPS/CFWS Social Service Specialist 1-3 In-Training (SSS3) located in Tumwater, WA. The role involves a hybrid work model, including in-person, telework, and field work. The salary range is $58,392 - $93,288 Annually, with a potential for 10% assignment pay upon reaching the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. The required duties include performing visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect to assess the safety of vulnerable children. DCYF is looking for Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialists to join our amazing Tumwater office, which offers strong team support, cross-program communication, and collaborative supervision. This career offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of children.

Requirements

• In-Training Plan Option # 1 - Experience with Required Credits OR Degree with the Required Credits: Applicants applying under this training option must have at least four (4) years of on-the-job social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Social Service, Human Service, or Behavioral Science, or any completed Bachelor's degree field that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
• Social Service Specialist 1: Four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a 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; no experience necessary.
• 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.
• 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 a 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.
• Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
• In-Training Plan Option # 2 - Experience or Degree without the Required Credits: This option is for applicants who have four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and do not have 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire OR applicants who have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an unrelated field and do not have the required 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire.
• Applicants who apply under this hiring option will begin employment at the Social Service Specialist 1 level and must complete the educational course requirements within 18 months of hire to advance to the next in-training step.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
• The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Case management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and/or experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with families, community partners, and professionals around difficult or sensitive topics.
• Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect or developing safety or service plans with families.
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive assessments of casework needs for children and families.
• Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse.
• Provide ongoing safety and risk assessment of the family throughout the life of the case and take appropriate action to protect children, correct parental deficits through services, and provide support to the family.
• Assess the need for out-of-home placement, and work with the family to find the strongest placement.
• Provide psychosocial summaries, home studies, and other appropriate correspondence to outside agencies.
• Provide case management services to facilitate out-of-home placements and review the need for continued out-of-home care.
• Supervise and place dependent children (abused, neglected, and abandoned) in foster or other approved placements, as necessary.
• Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.
• Prepare and present written and oral testimony for court proceedings.
• Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.

Benefits

• The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving.
• We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.
• DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program.
• The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

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