Description

• Conduct investigations into allegations of abandonment, abuse, or neglect of children.
• Interview children, family members, caregivers, and collateral sources to gather information necessary to assess child safety and determine the service needs of the family.
• Develop and implement case plans, collaboratively with others, that protect children from harm.
• Assess the need for out-of-home placement and prepare/counsel family members regarding the need for placement.
• Explain department policies RCWs and WACs to families, individuals, and members of the community.
• Consult with and make referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies and other social services agencies.
• Complete safety assessments, present danger assessment and monitor safety plans consistent with policy, child safety framework, and infant safety policy.
• Interview caregivers to determine the degree of risk
• Assess resource needs of children, birth parents, and caregivers and provide stabilization support.
• Develop and implement informed permanent plans.
• Utilize FamLink to document case activities and maintain case records.
• Attend all court hearings associated with assigned caseload and provide testimony in court when necessary.

• A Social Service Specialist 3 at Range 58 makes $5,214 – $7,016.
• A Social Service Specialist 2 at Range 56 makes $4,968 – $6,676.

• Five (5) 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 which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience

• Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences ANDa completed Practicum.

• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.

• 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.*Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

• 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.

• Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
• Cover Letter
• Current resume detailing experience and education

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/

Incumbent must hold a valid driver’s license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business.

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.
For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.