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

State of Washington•Tumwater, WA

61d•$4,771 - $7,622

About The Position

DCYF is looking for Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialists to join our amazing Tumwater office. Our office environment excels at team support, including cross-program communication and assistance, and is an open door with collaborative supervision. Would you like a career where you make a significant difference in the lives of children? If so, apply today. In this role, you will perform assessments, deliver services, conduct permanency planning, interview children and parents, evaluate child safety, and develop plans to protect children in their homes. You'll not only assess and plan, but you'll take additional action when needed to meet the needs of child safety, permanency, and well-being.

Requirements

The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, however, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 1 and 2 levels, with two different options to meet the qualifications through an In-Training plan.
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.
This option is great for candidates who have some or most of the required credits and only need to complete a few classes to meet this requirement. 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.
Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of social casework principles and practices, risk assessment and decision-making, interviewing techniques, solution-based casework, principles of child development, applicable Federal and State laws, and community resources.
Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect, or developing safety or service plans with families.
Familiarity with community resources and the local community.
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.