Description

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 Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) to join our Intake team to receive reported concerns of abuse and neglect, 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:
Our regional Intake team, located in Everett Regional, is searching for a proactive Social Service Specialist 3 who will be responsible for performing assessments, responding to telephone and written reports of abuse and neglect, and other child welfare service requests. This individual will gather information and perform risk and safety assessments in order to properly screen cases and refer families to the appropriate services. Within the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Field Operations, the Intake Unit operates 24/7 and provides services to Region 3 during weekday/non-holiday hours and statewide at all other times. This position provides intake program services for multiple programs such as Child Protective Services (CPS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), and Family Voluntary Services (FVS). In this role, you will also work with the Licensing Division (LD) regarding complaints/infractions, provide crisis call management assisting callers for the End-Harm line, and process ICPC/ICAMA requests. We encourage you to apply today and join our Intake team in this challenging and awarding career opportunity!

• This is a permanent full-time, 40-hour-a-week position, Monday to Friday.
• The assigned workstation for this position is located in Everett Regional. Telework and/or working from the office options are currently available – but staff must be able and willing to travel to and work from the office should the need arise.
• The current telework model is subject to change based on ongoing department guidance and business need.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Respond to phone and written inquiries from community members and professionals reporting cases of suspected abuse and neglect.
• Gather information from other sources, assess risk and safety for children, the risk to caseworkers, and make screening decisions on reports.
• Elicit collateral sources of information and develop sources from referral details.
• Enter correct and timely intake information and case data, also comparing data against other sources such as CSO records, collateral contacts, and prior history.
• Prioritize incoming calls during peak season and manage higher workloads by working on multiple cases simultaneously.
• Refer cases to law enforcement where criminal acts may have been committed.
• Conduct interviews with callers.
• Use basic knowledge of social services program components to assist in assessing and understanding risk factors and family dynamics.

What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
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 paid 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 paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to Social Service Specialist 2.

The above-required experience must include 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).

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.

Note: Successful completion of DCYF Social Service Specialist Intake Academy Training is required within twelve months of initial appointment.

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

• Ability to effectively communicate and comprehend, interpret, and apply current applicable laws, rules, and policies on delivering child protective and child welfare services within Washington State and deliver services accordingly.
• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and assess risk and safety in all cases as defined by law and best practice, and implement appropriate procedures using the agency's preferred risk and safety assessment tools.
• Knowledge of and previously demonstrated ability to use FamLink.

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

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.

DCYF is an equal-opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

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.

Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 870-3221 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.

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.

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