Social Services Associate (PCN 064622M)

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS), is hiring a full-time Social Services Associate in Anchorage, Alaska. The position is open to Alaska residents only. The Social Services Associate works closely with families and children to support services that strengthen families’ ability to provide children with a healthy start, safe and permanent homes, cultural connections, and opportunities to realize their potential. The associate supports professional staff by providing information for assessments, case planning, and evaluation. Duties may include helping parents practice parenting skills during family contact, using electronic databases, referring families to other agencies, transporting children and occasionally clients to family-contact appointments (including medical appointments), and occasionally providing childcare. The role is based in the Anchorage Regional Office. The Office of Children's Services emphasizes safety and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, respectful and equitable treatment, and collaboration with families, communities, Tribes, agency staff, department leadership, and federal partners. The first six months are a probationary training period with formal and on-the-job training. A valid Alaska driver's license is required. A child protective history check, background check, and fingerprinting will be conducted. The successful candidate may need to attend training courses, normally in Anchorage.

Requirements

One year of any combination of postsecondary or vocational education and/or experience assisting clients, customers, the general public, or other staff in explaining and applying guidelines, policies, or services.
Valid Alaska driver's license.
Completion of a child protective history check, background check, and fingerprinting.
Alaska residency; the recruitment is open to Alaska residents only.
Interpersonal skills, including courtesy, tact, empathy, relationship-building, and sensitivity to cultural diversity and individual differences.
Customer and quality focus, including anticipating and meeting customer needs and providing high-quality service.
Adaptability and critical thinking when responding to changing demands and competing priorities.
Computer skills, including use of computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems.
Teamwork, cooperation, and commitment to shared goals.
Current automotive insurance is required before using a personal vehicle for State business.

Responsibilities

Work closely with families and children to support services that strengthen family capacity and promote children's safety, permanency, wellbeing, and cultural connections.
Support professional staff by providing information for assessments, case planning, and evaluation.
Provide parenting support during family contact so parents can practice parenting skills in a safe environment.
Access electronic databases.
Refer families to other agencies as needed.
Transport children and occasionally clients to family-contact appointments, including medical appointments.
Provide childcare on occasion.