Social Services Associate

Salary: $24.87 Hourly
Location : Fairbanks, AK
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 54380
Department: Family & Community Services
Division: Office of Children's Services
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Division: Office of Children's Services
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 12


Job Description
**THE RECRUITMENT PERIOD FOR THIS VACANCY HAS BEEN EXTENDED**

Effective July 1, 2026 the wage for this position increased by 3%. The wage listed in this job posting reflects the increase.
This position is open to Alaska Residents only.
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 full-time Social Services Associate located in
Fairbanks, Alaska.

What you will be doing
This Social Services Associate (SSA) position is assigned to the Fairbanks Permanency Unit you and serves as an integral part of the permanency process for youth in care. The support is primarily in para-professional, administrative duties. These support services include but are not limited to timely and accurate documentation and tracking of information regarding cases at various stages of the adoption and guardianship process, collecting necessary documents from a variety of sources and compiling thorough adoption/guardianship packets, frequent communication with OCS staff, Tribal representatives, adoption/guardianship attorneys, resource families, legal parties, etc. This is a fast-paced work environment that requires the ability to track multiple things at the same time.

Our organization, mission and culture

The strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.


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.


Everything we do is underpinned by our
Benefits of joining our team
The Office of Children's Services offers a welcoming and professional environment to anyone looking for new challenges and an opportunity to work independently and in collaboration with agency staff, department leadership, and federal partners. The Office of Children's Services promotes a commitment to work-life balance and an organizational culture that values each team member.


Your first 6 months in the agency are probationary and considered a training period, with formal and on-the-job training with your supervisor and your colleagues
Full-time benefits of this position include but are not limited to: Insurance Benefits; Retirement Benefits; Paid Leave; and twelve paid holidays per year. Please see the benefits tab on this posting for more information.
Working environment you can expect
The Fairbanks Field Office serves the Fairbanks area, North Pole, as well as surrounding communities. The Office of Children's Services requires staff to work after hours and on-call. Overtime is also an expectation when deemed necessary. OCS staff are considered essential, so are expected to work during pandemic and other natural disasters.

For information on the Fairbanks community (including schools, hospitals, housing) please review the


We are seeking a candidate with the following 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/Quality Focus : Anticipates, monitors, and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an effective, appropriate manner. Demonstrates commitment to identifying customers' apparent and underlying needs and continually seeks to provide the highest quality service and product to all customers.
3. Adaptability : Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.

Special Note

• This position requires a valid 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.

A cover letter is NOT required for this position. Your complete application will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

To view the general description and example of duties for a Social Services Associate, please go to the following link:
Minimum Qualifications
One year of any combination of postsecondary or vocational education and/or experience in assisting clients, customers, the general public, or other staff in the explanation and application of guidelines, policies, or services.


Special Note:
Some positions require a valid Alaska driver's license, a background check, and fingerprinting. These requirements will be indicated at the time of recruitment.

Additional Required Information

At time of interview applicant is requested to submit:

• A copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are acceptable but must include the institution name/URL on documents provided) if required to meet minimum qualifications.
• A list of three (3) professional* references including daytime telephone numbers and email address; at least two (2) of these must be from a current or former supervisor.
  • Professional is defined as a supervisor or an individual who has direct knowledge of your work performance.

Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.
NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
EDUCATION
To verify education being used to meet the required minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials being used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application, provided at the time of interview or if not provided, transcripts will be required prior to appointment.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.

WORK EXPERIENCE
When using work experience not already documented in your application, please provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. Work experience needed to meet the minimum qualifications must be documented in the application. If the application does not support minimum qualifications, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment. A resume will not be used to determine that minimum qualifications have been met for the position in which you are applying.

If you are currently or previously been appointed to a flexibly staffed position please ensure your work experience within a flexibly staffed position indicates the actual dates employed at each level. Ensure your time and any subsequent flex promotion(s) are documented as a separate position. This is required as there are minimum qualifications that require experience at a particular level in which the lower level may not be considered. If this information is not accurately reflected in your application this may cause the processing of your application for consideration to be delayed.

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT
The State's online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.


The State of Alaska does not provide VISA Employer sponsorships.

RECRUITMENT SCOPE (insert applicable statement) This position is open to Alaska Residents only. Please check our to determine if you qualify.

MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.

APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as AlaskaJobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to successfully apply. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here:


NOTICE
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at View phone number on click.appcast.io (toll free) or View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at


EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or View phone number on click.appcast.io or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Information

WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-View phone number on click.appcast.io (toll free) or View phone number on click.appcast.io if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to View email address on click.appcast.io.

For applicant password assistance please visit:

For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager at:

Name : Loraine Caslin, Administrative Assistant 2
Phone : View phone number on click.appcast.io
Email : View email address on click.appcast.io
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
  • The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
    • General Government
    • Labor, Trades and Crafts
    • Public Safety Employees Association
    • Masters, Mates & Pilots
• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See for additional information


Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

01


Do you acknowledge and understand the requirement that education and/or experience being used to meet the minimum qualifications for this position must be adequately documented in this application in order to be considered for this position?

• Yes. I acknowledge and understand this requirement.

02


Please rate your level of proficiency in 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.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.

03


Please rate your level of proficiency in Customer/Quality Focus: Anticipates, monitors, and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an effective, appropriate manner. Demonstrates commitment to identifying customers' apparent and underlying needs and continually seeks to provide the highest quality service and product to all customers.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

04


Please rate your level of proficiency in Adaptability: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.

• Mastery: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed all relevant concepts, procedures, and practices and facilitate knowledge transfer to others.
• Fluency: Able to successfully apply all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have successfully performed the concepts, procedures, and practices independently.
• Literacy: Ability to communicate all relevant concepts, procedures and practices of the subject area. I have limited application or practice.
• Discovery: Awareness of basic/fundamental concepts, procedures, and practices of the subject area.
• None of the above.

Required Question