CFWS Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) – Spokane North Full Time

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.  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:
We’re looking for a CFWS Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating family situations, interviewing children and their families, assessing risk, and developing plans that focus on protecting children. This position serves as a lead position over Social Service Specialists (2s and 3s) and provides them with on-the-job training, mentoring, and support. This position also acts in a supervisory role in the absence of the unit supervisor (SSS5s).

Some of what you will get to do: 

• Teach, guide, mentor, consult and provide on-the-job training to social service specialists (2s and 3s).
• Assist in the transition of staff from a formal training program to fieldwork. 
• Assign and review work for efficacy and review case actions for accuracy.
• Mentor staff on tasks involving dependency timeline and permanency outcomes.
• Apply Child Safety FrameWork and Structured Decision-Making Tools.
• Assessment (SDM) in the performance of all duties and responsibilities assigned.
• Ensure Famlink documentation requirements are met and ensure accurate data for the quality assurance process
• Ensure timely permanency plans for all children on their caseload to include reunification, adoption, guardianship, and custody plans. 
• Carry a number of CFWS cases and meet all casework management directives as required by law, policy, and other mandates.
• Provide coverage of assigned caseloads in the absence of other social service specialists.
• Assess and deliver services that are inclusive of immediate family, extended family, kin, and children.
• In the supervisor’s absence, attend meetings and provide supervisory coverage.
• Prepare and file court and dependency petitions, court reports, and other legal documents.
• Prepare and provide court testimony and coverage in hearings and trials.

What we’re looking for:   
One year as a Social Service Specialist 3.
OR
Three years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree or higher in social services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and four years of experience equivalent to  a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Master’s degree in social services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. 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.

Degree 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 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. Incomplete applications may be screened out of the recruitment process.

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

• Demonstrated ability to work independently to complete investigations/assessments in the homes and residences of individuals.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate through oral and written forms of communication, with management, peers, clients, and the public.
• Knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and/or experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with families, community partners, and professionals around difficult or sensitive topics.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts or complaints between persons and groups with diverse personalities and differing goals. Ability to de-escalate and diffuse potential crisis situations. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead, prioritize, multi-task and organize workload and assist others in managing cases. 
• Demonstrated ability to organize caseload priorities according to office policy, time frames, and workload expectations. 
• Reprioritize assignments as necessary to meet emergencies and/or provide unit coverage. 

How do I apply? 
Complete your applicant profile with your full work history and highest education details, and attach a copy of your college transcripts.  A resume and cover letter are not required but are recommended.

Supplemental Information: 
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.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history may 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. 

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.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion and respect.
 
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
 
Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply on-line? Contact the Recruitment team at [email protected] or (360)688-3529 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 [email protected].
  
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