CFWS EFC Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Richland

State of Washington • Benton County – Richland, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position performs advanced levels of specialized case management for Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS)/Extended Foster Care (EFC) youth for Region 2, primarily the Tri-Cities area. The EFC Social Service Specialist will have expert knowledge of the EFC program, policy, and law to assist field offices by providing information and expert collaboration regarding the EFC program. The department's 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".

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.
• Worker Core Training (WCT): As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT).
• 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

• 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

• Provide initial and ongoing assessment of EFC youth safety, ability to live independently, and barriers to making progress in the EFC program.
• Identify and develop community supports and resources.
• Assess the EFC youth for supervision needs.
• Provide training and services that decrease the possibility of homelessness and teach skills needed to achieve stability and independent living.
• Provide housing resource information to assist young adults in obtaining housing.
• Assist youth in locating employment and/or education resources to develop career skills to support stability.
• See youth in their home every month and assess the young adult’s ability for independent living and safety.
• Help the EFC youth obtain necessary documents.
• Provide resources that will continue to work with the youth after exiting EFC.
• Encourage the EFC youth, identify strengths, and teach the youth how to advocate for themselves.
• Prepare required legal documents for court, placement, and service delivery.
• Prepare and file EFC dependency petitions and other legal documents related to the implementation of permanent plans.
• Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level