Extended Foster Care Social Service Specialist 2-3 (SSS3) - Region 4/Seattle

State of Washington•King County - Seattle – Other, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Extended Foster Care (EFC) program in King County is seeking a motivated, team-oriented Social Service Specialist 2-3 who is passionate about empowering youth as they work toward their independent living goals and build essential emerging adult skills. EFC is a vital program dedicated to improving outcomes for youth transitioning out of the foster care system. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting youth in building stability, confidence, and long-term success as they move into adulthood. In this role, you will be assigned to a caseload of youth, ranging in age from 18 to 20, who have voluntarily entered the EFC program. This role is responsible for assisting youth transitioning to adulthood to develop skills of emerging adult independence, ensuring youth health and education needs are met, and planning for permanent living arrangements for youth. This role is responsible for having expert knowledge of the EFC program, policy, and law, as well as best practices for transitioning planning for youth who are in the foster care system.

Requirements

Social Service Specialist 2: Five years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits in a Social Services discipline. OR Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a completed Bachelor's degree which included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience. OR Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences OR a Master’s degree that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND a completed practicum. OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1).
Social Service Specialist 3: Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits in a Social Services discipline. OR Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a Bachelor's degree that included 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 a Master's degree that included 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 (SSS2).
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.
Minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
Must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within twelve months of initial appointment.
Must attend all mandatory DCYF training, including Social Service Specialists Academy Training Institute and CHET-specific training requirements within twelve months of initial 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.
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

Prior public child welfare experience.
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Social Work.
Case management experience with mandatory clients.
Previous case management experience working with children, youth, parents, caregivers, and families.
One year of experience assessing risk and safety regarding child abuse and neglect concerns or developing safety and service plans with families.
Knowledge and familiarity with the local community and resources.
Experience with FamLink and documentation requirements.
Experience using computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Responsibilities

Act as the EFC liaison for the local office and region.
Provide highly skilled casework to youth participating in the EFC program.
Meet timeframes for intake referrals, multi-disciplinary staffings, transition plans for youth exiting care, health and safety visits, sibling visits, Child Health and Safety Tracking (CHET) screens, permanency planning, financial planning requests, court reports, and ICPC requests.
Assess youth progress in the program and identify barriers to independent living.
Provide guidance and service referrals designed to help overcome specific barriers.
Determine housing resources, complete life skills assessments, and develop plans for services that prepare youth for successful adulthood.
Identify and develop community support and resources.
Provide referrals for assessments and resources that respond to the youth's identity, cultural, and emotional needs.
Provide EFC program and transition planning information to other social service specialists, community partners, youth and families, and the court.
Meet documentation and payment initiation requirements for accurate and timely entries into FamLink.
Address safety risk concerns through cultural competency and strength-based communication.
Develop and update the EFC case plan with the youth that assists in developing skill-based individual objectives.
Document progress made by youth towards meeting the identified objectives/goals of the case plan.
Prepare written and informed reports to the court addressing the youth's compliance with the EFC agreement and program.
Attend and testify in court.