Quality Practice Specialist (SHPC4) - Spokane Central

State of Washington•Spokane County – Spokane, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Quality Practice Specialist (SHPC4) position is a critical lead role designed to increase consistency of practice in child welfare cases to improve child safety outcomes and the overall quality of investigations, assessments, and interventions. In this role, you'll provide consultation services and mentoring to new and experienced staff. This position trains to the delivery of program-specialized casework in the investigation and assessment of child abuse and/or neglect, and provides performance-related feedback to Supervisors and Area Administrators.

Requirements

Equivalent education and experience totaling nine years in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.
One year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 3 or equivalent.
Two years of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 2 or equivalent.
A Bachelor's degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field; and five years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.
A Master's degree or higher in social work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field, and four years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Two years of paid social experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units).

Nice To Haves

Strong working knowledge of Washington’s electronic child welfare records system, FamLink.
Strong risk assessment and safety assessment skills.
Working knowledge of developing effective safety plans that reduce future risk of child abuse or neglect and improve child safety.
Knowledge and understanding of the connection between research, data, and practice.
Working knowledge of child development, including early childhood brain development.
Previously demonstrated knowledge of Child Protective Services’ roles, responsibilities, and authority.
Previously demonstrated working knowledge of DCYF programs and policies, Family Assessment Response, Child Protective Services Investigations, Family Voluntary Services, Child and Family Welfare Services, Family Reconciliation Services, Adoptions, Interstate Compact, etc.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate, monitor, teach, observe, and mentor field operations staff.
Provide consultation services to new and experienced Social Service Specialists to improve the quality-of-service delivery and safety outcomes to children and families in child welfare cases.
Consult with, direct, and support Social Service Specialist staff who are managing high-risk/complex cases.
Conduct periodic, or upon request, observation of Social Service Specialists to ensure consistency of standard of practice expectations.
Review region, local office, and unit child welfare program goals, identify needs, and work on meeting set targets for improvement in practice and child safety.
Review cases, analyze compliance with state and federal requirements, policies, and procedures, and implement formal and informal training and action plans to address deficiencies.
Liaison with community partners.