Social Service Specialist In-Training 1-3 (SSS3) - Colfax

State of Washington • Colfax, WA

52d • $4,771 - $7,622

About The Position

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy- thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community."
DCYF is looking for a Social Service Specialist to join our amazing Colfax office. The Colfax Office is located in the beautiful rolling hills of Whitman County. Would you like a career where you make a significant difference in the lives of children? If so, apply today.
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

• The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, however, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 1 and 2 levels, with two different options to meet the qualifications through an In-Training plan.
• In-Training Plan Option #1 - Experience with Required Credits OR Degree with the Required Credits
• Applicants applying under this training option must have at least four (4) years of on the job social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Social Service, Human Service, or Behavioral Science, or any completed Bachelor's degree field that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
• Social Service Specialist 1: Four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a 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; no experience necessary.
• 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 Services discipline AND completed practicum.
• 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 a 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. Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
• In-Training Plan Option #2 - Experience or Degree without the Required Credits
• This option is for applicants who have four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and do not have 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire OR applicants who have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an unrelated field and do not have the required 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire.
• This option is great for candidates who have some or most of the required credits and only need to complete a few classes to meet this requirement. Applicants who apply under this hiring option will begin employment at the Social Service Specialist 1 level and must complete the educational course requirements within 18 months of hire to advance to the next in-training step.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• This position requires 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.

Nice To Haves

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Knowledge of social casework principles and practices, risk assessment and decision-making, interviewing techniques, solution-based casework, principles of child development, applicable Federal and State laws, and community resources.
• Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect, or developing safety or service plans with families.
• Familiarity with community resources and the local community.
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations into allegations of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to determine if children are safe with their families and caregivers.
• Provide advanced-level specialized case management in complex cases involving issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence. Implement culturally-relevant, ADA-sensitive, and individualized service plans which are goal-directed, have specific behavioral objectives, and are time-limited.
• Interview children, family members, caregivers, and collateral sources to gather information necessary to assess child safety and determine service needs.
• Provide comprehensive assessments of needs for children and families while working with a diverse population, which may include Native American families.
• Assess the need for out-of-home placement and work with the family to find the most appropriate placement.
• Provide case management services to facilitate out-of-home placements and review the need for continued out-of-home care.
• Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.
• Prepare and present written and oral testimony for court proceedings.
• Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees