Social Services Specialist

Job Title After-Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) Location Clarkston, WA. On-Call. Offices are closed from 5 pm to 8 am each day, on weekends, and on all holidays, but the need to assist children still exists. The number of hours worked per week will vary depending on the number of calls received and the number of days you are available to work. You will only need to be on-call if you are scheduled to work, based on the calendar that you help create. This position offers scheduling flexibility based on your availability. The incumbent will need to be available for a rapid, in-person response within the assigned county. Salary $31.64 - $44.68 hourly. These positions may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. The Opportunity As a DCYF After-Hours Social Service Specialist, you will assist Region 1 during non‑business hours. You will respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect when local Division of Children and Family Service offices are closed. Responsibilities Respond to emergent requests and other after‑hours requests. Meet required timeframes and complete documentation/paperwork in the FAMLINK database. Gather and document sufficient information to assess present danger and take protective action if danger is identified. Conduct 24‑hour emergent face‑to‑face contacts for CPS Investigation cases, 72‑hour non‑emergent face‑to‑face contacts for CPS/FAR cases, and monthly Health and Safety visits on CFWS and FVS cases. Observe and document the living environment, physical condition, and behaviors of children. Follow Agency Policy for Photograph Documentation when photographing a child's physical condition or environment to document child abuse or neglect. Respond to Protective Custody inquiries, partnering with law enforcement when needed. Required Qualifications The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below. Social Service Specialist 2 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, or master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND completed practicum. One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1. Social Service Specialist 3 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. AND the ability to take action to learn and grow, and the ability to take action to meet the needs of others. *Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family‑centered practice services. Preferred/Desired Qualifications Ability to appropriately apply child safety and risk assessment to a variety of complex situations involving child abuse and neglect and imminent risk of serious harm. Prior experience displaying critical thinking skills and the use of shared decision‑making. Prior experience using FAMLINK case management system and documenting casework information within timeframes. Salary Ranges A Social Service Specialist 3 at Range 58 makes $33.21 - 44.68/hr. A Social Service Specialist 2 at Range 56 makes $31.64 - 42.52/hr. Worker Core Training (WCT) As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5‑week Worker Core Training (WCT). This training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well‑being, gathering information, and conducting case and permanency planning. The WCT curriculum includes: Understanding the child welfare system Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare Policies, procedures, and best practices Assessing child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts Collecting records and collaborating with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services Completing assessments and documenting case notes Writing dependency petitions and court reports Preparing for and testifying in court How do I apply Complete your applicant profile and attach the following: Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission) Cover Letter Current resume detailing experience and education. Supplemental Information 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. 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 position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information, see Benefits eligibility for this position may differ from what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee benefits eligibility, visit Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB). This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license. 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. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran’s Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, provide official discharge documentation within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. DCYF participates in the federal E‑Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E‑Verify requirements, on their first day of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr