Social Services Associate On Call Anchorage

Social Services Associate On Call

This position is open to AK Residents. Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify. The Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for Social Services Associate On Call located in Anchorage, Alaska.

What You Will Be Doing: As a Social Services Associate, you will work closely with families and children involved with child protective services. You will be directly working with parents and children, helping to provide services that will enhance families' capacities to give their children a healthy start, to provide them with safe and permanent homes, to maintain cultural connections, and to help them realize their potential. You will be supporting professional staff by providing information for assessments, case planning and evaluation, while performing duties that can include providing parenting support during family contact to enable parents to practice parenting skills in a safe environment, accessing electronic databases, and providing necessary referrals for families to other agencies.

Our Organization, Mission, and Culture: The Mission of the Office of Children's Services is: Ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children by strengthening families, engaging communities, and partnering with Tribes. The Office of Children's Services strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount. Employees all contribute to building a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully. Everything we do is underpinned by our Core Values.

Benefits of Joining Our Team: The Office of Children's Services is committed to an organizational culture that values each team member. We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We celebrate and value the diversity of our employees, partners, and families we serve.

Working Environment You Can Expect: The Office of Children's Services Anchorage Regional Office is located in Midtown Anchorage. The working environment will consist of a typical office setting as well as regular field work throughout the community. Travel is required to multiple locations throughout the community and fluctuates or varies from 20% - 50% monthly and length could be 30 minutes – 3 hours depending on situation. This position is on-call and not guaranteed a set of work hours per week. The work schedule will typically fall between 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Saturday. This can include weekend work. The Office of Children's Services may require staff to work after hours.

Who We Are Looking For: We are seeking a candidate with the following desired competencies:

1. Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
2. Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
3. Adaptability: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
4. Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
5. Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

Special Note:

• This position requires a valid Real ID Alaska driver's license.
• Additionally, while the Division does have vehicles assigned to it, they may not always be available for staff use. Mileage reimbursement is available when a personal vehicle is used for work-related matters. Current automotive insurance must be in place prior to use of a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the State.
• A child protective history check will be performed per AS 12.62.160 and/or 13 AAC 68.315 including a background and fingerprint check.
• The successful candidate may be required to attend multiple training courses normally located in Anchorage.