INTERNAL ONLY Dual Language Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) - Sunnyside

State of Washington•Yakima County – Sunnyside, WA

13h•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." To be eligible for this position, you must pass a DCYF Spanish language certification test within your first 6 months of employment. There is an additional 5% assignment pay for dual language, based on the successful completion of the Language Certification Test. This position is open to current DCYF employees only. This position may also require travel throughout Region 2, in addition to coverage of the Sunnyside, Toppenish, and Goldendale offices. We are looking for a Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to take the role of lead worker in the Sunnyside, Toppenish, and Goldendale offices. Our focus is on child safety, staff retention, and creating a safe environment for our staff as they learn and develop their skills in child welfare practice. This role will also be assigned a limited caseload of potentially complex cases. In this role, you will provide mentorship, on-the-job training, and assistance in the transition of staff from formal training to fieldwork. This position conducts case reviews, provides feedback, and also carries a small caseload of complex cases or provides case coverage, as needed. In the absence of the unit supervisor, this position will facilitate meetings and make decisions regarding case staffing.

Requirements

The ability to read, write, and speak both English and Spanish fluently for providing interpretation and translation to clients is required for this position.
Employee must be certified, proficient, and be able to provide certification to perform duty. Certification must be obtained within 6 months of appointment.
Seven years of paid social service experience.
Paid Social Service experience must include at least one-year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
OR One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
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 two (2) years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
OR A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND three (3) years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
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 (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Prior public child welfare experience
Previously demonstrated case management experience.
Previously demonstrated knowledge of child development and/or family systems.
Previously demonstrated ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances, to gather information to make accurate and precise decisions.
Previously demonstrated experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies, and delivering services accordingly.
Previously demonstrated familiarity with the agency’s software programs, which include Outlook and FAMLINK.

Responsibilities

Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff.
Conduct on-the-job training and assistance with staff in formal training plans who are transitioning to fieldwork.
Serve as Lead Specialist assigned to the most complex cases.
Report on the strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor.
Provide feedback for annual performance evaluations and identify training needs.
Provide coverage of assigned caseloads.
Attend court hearings and provide testimony in court when necessary.
Fill in as supervisor in the supervisor’s absence.