The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve, and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.
We're looking for a Child Protective Services (CPS) and Family Assessment Response (FAR) Specialist to join our Spokane Central office to protect children from harm, working toward the common goal of eliminating child and youth outcome disparities based on race and ethnicity. Our vision is that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."
The Opportunity:
The CPS/FAR Specialist provides front line, specialized case management in complex situations involving children. This individual conducts investigations and interviews with children and families where there is an allegation of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and helps determine the necessary next steps for families. As a CPS/FAR specialist, you will ultimately determine if children are safe with their families, and intervene in situations where children are at risk. The ultimate goal is to correct parental deficits, so children can be safe, and flourish in their home environment.
Some of what you will get to do:

• Conduct investigations into allegations of abandonment, abuse or child neglect.
• Lead assessments and interventions on assigned intakes to determine child safety and take protective action as needed.
• Complete psychosocial and other assessments to determine need, extent, and direction of intervention.
• Interview children, families, and collateral sources to assess risks to children, ascertain facts, gather social history, and determine family needs.
• Assess the need for out-of-home placement, preparing and counseling families through the process.
• Create referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies, medical evaluations, and forensic interviews.
• Prepare and counsel families for the need for out-of-home placements.
• Develop and monitor safety plans for children and complete health and safety visits.
• Work with diverse family groups, including military and Native American families.
• Provide support services such as counseling, problem resolution, guidance, and referrals to advocacy and mediation.
• Provide short-term voluntary placement of children with licensed foster care or relative resources, working with families to resolve abuse or neglect.

Social Service Specialist 2 $4656 - $6260:
Social Service Specialist 3 $4892 - $6,575:
What we are looking for at the Social Services 2 Level:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
A Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field AND one year of social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND two years of social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

• Note: a two-year Master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

What we are looking for at the Social Services 3 Level:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field AND one year of social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND two years of social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

• Note: a two-year Master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• One year of experience assessing risk and safety with regards to child abuse and neglect concerns, or developing safety or service plans with families.
• Knowledge of community resources and the local community.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision as well as working with teams.
• Ability to interact with clients, community partners, and general public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to multi-task and organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.
• Ability to utilize computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

How do I apply?
Complete your full applicant profile with your work history and highest education details, and include a copy of your college transcripts. Resumes and cover letters are not required but are recommended.
To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.
Supplemental Information:
Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1 (Download PDF reader) state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation.
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 position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications with comments such as "see attachments" or "N/A" in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.
DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion and respect.
Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply on-line? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 280-4751 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388
Experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application? Call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.
General suggestions for creating a good application packet:

• Read the job posting very carefully. Find out as much as you can about the position.
• Make sure you are very diligent in following all the application instructions. Include all requested documentation.
• Make sure your application and supplemental question responses address how you meet each of the required and desired qualifications.
• Carefully read each of the supplemental questions and respond completely to each one. Pay careful attention to each component of the question, providing examples, and thoroughly describing when and where you achieved the proficiency level, and detail the types of work you performed, the work products, etc., to demonstrate 'how'.
• Specifically include all of your work experiences doing the same or similar work, especially if you reference work in these jobs in describing when/where you gained proficiency level skills.
• Make sure your application reflects your best writing.

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