**We have multiple vacancies in our CPS unit.  We are looking for Social Service Specialists at the SSS2 or SSS3 level. Apply today!**

Salary Ranges:

• Social Service Specialist 2: Range 56 ($4,968 – $6,676)
• Social Service Specialist 3: Range 58 ($5,214 – $7,016) 

King County Premium: The salary listed above does not include the additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees. 

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. 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.” 

We’re looking for multiple CPS/FAR Social Service Specialists in the Child Protective Service (CPS/FAR) Unit serving families in Region 4 at our King West Office located in Queen Anne/West Seattle.  In this role, you will evaluate family situations, interview children and families, assess child safety and risk, develop plans to protect children and offer services to children and families to keep children safely in the home.  

The Opportunity:  
Although the goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to Social Service Specialist 3.   The Child Protective Services (CPS) unit investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect and provides the appropriate recommendations and services for families.   Family Assessment Response (FAR) is an alternative CPS pathway for families with low and moderate allegations of child abuse or neglect. Families who qualify for FAR may choose the FAR pathway. In FAR, there is no investigation and no finding of whether the alleged abuse or neglect occurred. Social workers work with the family to keep children safe and build on their strengths to establish the community support the family needs to be successful in the long term. 

Some of what you will get to do:

• Conduct investigations into allegations of abandonment, abuse, or child neglect. 
• Lead assessments and interventions on assigned intakes to determine child safety and take protective action as needed.
• Complete psychosocial and other assessments to determine the need, extent, and direction of intervention.
• Interview children, families, and collateral sources to assess risks to children, ascertain facts, gather social history, and determine family needs.
• Assess the need for out-of-home placement, preparing and counseling families through the process.
• Create referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies, medical evaluations, and forensic interviews.
• Develop and monitor safety plans for children and complete health and safety visits.
• Provide support services such as counseling, problem resolution, guidance, and referrals to advocacy and mediation.
• Provide short-term voluntary placement of children with licensed foster care or relative resources, working with families to resolve abuse or neglect.
• Provide court documents for judiciary review and decisions regarding the welfare of the children and provide court testimony.

Who Should Apply?
We welcome candidates to apply at the Social Service Specialist 3 level or Social Service Specialist 2 level, with an in-training plan to advance to Social Service Specialist 3.  The hiring manager will evaluate which level you qualify for.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

NOTE: 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 at naces.org. 

*For Degrees obtained outside the U.S.: Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application.  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 core competencies:

• Ability to make critical decisions, based on the integration of information from multiple sources that may be discrepant, in high-stress situations. 
• Ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances and gather information to make accurate and precise decisions. 
• Proven ability to identify problems, and develop and implement solutions. 
• Ability to remain calm when being confronted and to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to successfully manage competing priorities and deadlines. 
• Ability to successfully work as part of a cohesive team, while also performing independently in a variety of settings.

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

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

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 announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

If you need accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov. If you’re experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

The incumbent must hold a valid driver’s license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business and must also comply with Washington State’s liability laws when operating a privately owned vehicle on official state business.

To take advantage of the Veteran’s preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22.  Please black out your social security number before attaching it.

 
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