FVS Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Richland

State of Washington•Benton County – Richland, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

DCYF is seeking a highly energetic Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) to support several different programs within the Child Welfare division stationed out of our Richland office. This position will carry cases in Child Protective Services Investigations (CPS), Family Assessment Response (FAR), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), and Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS). This is a unique opportunity to gain experience across multiple areas of Child Welfare while providing support wherever the need is greatest within Region 2. 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

Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
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.
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.
One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2
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.
A minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

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

Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse.
Provide ongoing safety and risk assessment of the family throughout the life of the case and take appropriate action to protect children, correct parental deficits through services, and provide support to the family.
Provide comprehensive and ongoing assessment of casework needs for child, parent(s)/guardian, and foster parent(s) with a focus and priority on child safety.
Assess the need for out-of-home placement and work with the family to find the most appropriate placement.
Monitor the health and safety of children through regular visitation.
Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.