CPS/FAR Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Spokane North

State of Washington • Spokane County – Spokane, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The CPS/FAR Social Service Specialist works with children and families in Spokane, Washington, investigating reports of child abuse and assessing child safety. The role involves evaluating complex family situations, interviewing children and parents, developing plans to protect children in their homes, and connecting families with services. The position may be hired at the Social Service Specialist 2 level with a training plan to advance to Social Service Specialist 3, the goal class.

The job requires visits in unregulated environments, including private residences, to investigate allegations of abuse or neglect and assess the safety of vulnerable children. Social Service Specialists complete mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training after hire. Four weeks of this training are scheduled at the Seattle training site during Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. For eligible employees traveling from their assigned duty location, DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs.

The role requires at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license. The incumbent must complete formal training courses required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of appointment. The position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Requirements

• For the Social Service Specialist 2 level: five years of paid social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a social service discipline; or a qualifying bachelor's degree and one year of paid social service experience; or a qualifying master's degree and completed practicum; or one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• For the Social Service Specialist 3 level: six years of paid social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a social service discipline; or a qualifying bachelor's degree and two years of paid social service experience; or a qualifying master's degree and one year of paid social service experience; or one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• Paid social service experience must include at least one year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow and to meet the needs of others.
• At least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.
• Successfully complete required formal training courses within one year of appointment.
• Qualifying degrees must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA, or be a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization; foreign equivalency certification must be attached to the application.
• Complete the mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training.
• Submit transcripts, a cover letter, and a current resume detailing experience and education with the application.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse.
• Conduct ongoing safety and risk assessments throughout the life of each case and take appropriate action to protect children, address parental deficits through services, and support families.
• Assess casework needs for children, parents or guardians, and foster parents, prioritizing child safety.
• Assess whether out-of-home placement is needed and work with families to identify an appropriate placement.
• Monitor children's health and safety through regular visitation.
• Use FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
• Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.
• Complete Worker Core Training, including training in child safety assessment, information gathering, case and permanency planning, and court preparation.

Benefits

• For employees eligible for travel from their assigned duty location to Worker Core Training, DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs.
• The position may receive 10% assignment pay upon reaching the Social Service Specialist 3 goal class.

What This Job Offers

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