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

State of Washington • Spokane County – Spokane, WA

2d • Onsite

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 proactive Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigations, Family Assessment Response (FAR) Social Service Specialist (SSS3) to join our amazing Spokane North team. Our office excels at teamwork, including cross-program communication, collaboration, and assistance. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality services to the children and families we serve. In this role, you will assess complex family situations, interview children and parents, evaluate child safety, develop plans to protect children in their homes, and offer services to children and families.

Requirements

• 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 Service discipline AND completed practicum. OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• 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 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 AND The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to 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.
• Worker Core Training (WCT): As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT).
• This training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well-being, gathering information, and conducting case and permanency planning.
• Upon hire, you will be assigned to the nearest available training cohort.
• The training includes four (4) weeks at our Seattle training site (scheduled for Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8).
• For those eligible for travel from their assigned duty location, DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs.
• The WCT curriculum is designed to prepare Social Service Specialists for the responsibilities of the role, including: Understanding the child welfare system, Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare, Policies, procedures, and best practices, Assessing child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts, Collecting records and collaborating with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services, Completing assessments and documenting case notes, Writing dependency petitions and court reports, Preparing for and testifying in court.
• 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, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission).
• If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge.
• Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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

• 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.
• Provide comprehensive and ongoing assessment of casework needs for child, parent(s)/guardian, and foster parent(s) with a focus and priority on child safety.
• Assess the need for out-of-home placement and work with the family to find the most appropriate placement.
• Monitor the health and safety of children through regular visitation.
• Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
• Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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