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- Description
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The ability to pass a Spanish language certification test through DCYF is required to be eligible for this position. There is an additional 5% assignment pay for dual language based on the successful completion of the Language Certification Test.This recruitment has been reposted for additional applications. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply— your application status remains unchanged.The Workstation location is negotiable within our Region 6 offices in Lewis, Thurston, Mason, or Grays Harbor counties.This position will go from a range 57 ($4,892 – $6,575) to range 58 ($5,060 – $ 6,809), which also includes the 4% general wage increase.Social Service Specialists who, as part of their position description, perform visits in unregulated environments like, private residences, to conduct investigations and to assess safety will receive a 10% assignment pay in addition to the general salary increases.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 Kinship Caregiver Engagement Specialist (SSS3) to provide safe licensing expertise for kinship care, 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 Kinship Caregiver Engagement Specialist focuses on processing applications for kinship care. This includes interviewing applicants, conducting background checks, performing inspections, contacting references, gathering required paperwork, and ensuring all licensed and unlicensed homes are suitable for children in the state’s custody to grow and flourish. We are searching for individuals who can thoroughly research problems, ask important questions, and take pride in having a high standard of excellence in everything that we do.Some of what you will get to do:- Perform assessments through engagement and information gathering to complete the initial home study process for relative or suitable other placement and/or adoptive placement and/or foster home licensing.
- Provide consultation to the applicants, refer to services or training and provide support throughout the home study and/or licensing process.
- Review completed background checks, suitability assessments, waivers, and disqualifications.
- Assist licensed foster families to retain the family as a service provider.
- Provide technical assistance and interpretation of policy and statute governing licensing functions and assist foster parents in becoming licensed.
- Assist providers to navigate the child welfare system.
- Work collaboratively with the Child Welfare Program and the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
- Complete physical facility inspections, interview caregivers, interview children.
- Partner with Licensing Division and CPS/SAM as they investigate allegations of WAC violations and provide technical assistance/resources and support.
- Provide testimony at administrative hearings and other court proceedings.
What we are looking for:
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 two years 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 three years of social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.*One year of paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units).
*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.NOTE: The Incumbent must be able to read, write, and speak fluently in both English and Spanish for providing interpretation and translation services to clients and must be able to pass a Spanish language certification test through DCYF.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:- Previously demonstrated ability to effectively partner with and communicate (verbal and written) with diverse populations.
- Previously demonstrated ability to research, comprehend, interpret and apply current applicable laws, rules, and policies on the delivery of child protective and child welfare services within Washington State and deliver services accordingly.
- Previously demonstrated competency in computer skills, including typing, working with basic computer programs, such as MS Outlook as well as working with or learning agency software programs.
- Previously demonstrated experience in program management experience in a regulatory or supervisory capacity for facilities providing care to children.
- Demonstrated ability to travel without restrictions.
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:- Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
- Current resume detailing experience and education.
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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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without PayPlease visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
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01
Are you willing and able to pass a Spanish language certification test through DCYF to be eligible for this position?- Yes
- No
02
Which of the following best describes a combination of your education and experience in the social services field?- I have one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral science or a related field, and three years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral science or a related field that included a social service practicum and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have none of the above.
03
Do you have one year of paid social service experience assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units)?- Yes
- No
04
How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?- Washington State’s career website: www.careers.wa.gov
- Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
- Washington State employee
- DCYF Recruiter
- College/university career fair or website
- Diversity network meeting/event
- Indeed
- ZipRecruiter
- Handshake
- Other
05
If you selected ‘College/university career fair or website’, ‘Diversity network meeting/event’, ‘Online job boards’, or ‘Other’ above, please specify which college, university, diversity network meeting/event, online job boards and/or describe ‘Other’ below.06
(For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?- Yes
- No
- Does not apply
* Required Question