CPS Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Spokane Valley

State of Washington • Spokane County - Spokane Valley, WA

1d • 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 proactive Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) to join the Spokane Valley team. The office excels at teamwork, including cross-program communication, collaboration, and assistance, and prides itself on providing high-quality services to the children and families served. 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. Some of what you'll do: 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. The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.

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.
• Minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
• 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

• 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

• 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.
• Successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT).
• Understand the child welfare system.
• Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare.
• Understand policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Assess child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts.
• Collect records and collaborate with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services.
• Complete assessments and document case notes.
• Write dependency petitions and court reports.
• Prepare for and testify in court.

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