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Salary- Description
Job Title: After Hours Social Service Specialist (SSS3)
Location: Walla Walla, WA – On-Call
Closes: Friday, December 15, 2023
Salary: $ 29.97 - $ 40.32 Hourly
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We're looking for an After-Hours Social Service Specialist(SSS3) to join our Walla Walla office and help protect children from harm, 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:As an After Hours Social Service Specialist, your role is to provide assistance to DCYF Region 2 during non-business hours. You will be responsible for responding to and investigating reports of abuse and neglect promptly and efficiently when local Division of Children and Family Service offices are closed. These 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 weekend availability.
Some of what you'll do:
- Respond to emergent requests and other after-hours requests.
- Meet required timeframes and complete documentation/paperwork in FamLink database.
- Gather and document sufficient information to assess for present danger and take protective action if present 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.
| What we're looking for (Required Qualifications):- One (1) year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- A Master's degree in Social Services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field.
- One (1) year of paid Social Service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- A Bachelor's degree in Social Services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field.
- Two (2) years of paid Social Service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
Note(s):
A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that includes a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid Social Service experience.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
One year of paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units).
Degree 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 foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org.
*Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S. Incomplete applications may be screened out of the recruitment process.
| What we're hoping for (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.
- Must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
- Prior experience working independently and as a team member to complete job duties with minimal supervision.
- Prior experience accurately using standard office equipment and computers for inputting and retrieving data and development of written communications.
- Prior experience using FamLink case management system.
- Prior experience documenting casework information, within timeframes.
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:- Transcripts
- Cover Letter– optional, but encouraged
- Current resume detailing experience and education.– optional, but encouraged
Supplemental Information:
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.
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 prior to attaching.
This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information, visit https://wfse.org/.
Incumbent must hold a valid driver’s license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business.
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.
If you need an 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.
2023 – 12953
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
- 01Which of the following best describes a combination of your education and experience in the Social Services field?
- I have one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Bachelor's degree in Social Services, human services, behavioral science or a related field, and two years of paid Social Service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Master's degree in Social Services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and one year of paid Social Service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have a Master's Degree in Social Services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field that includes a Social Services practicum, (or I am participating in CWTAP and have provided a letter of good standing from my university and will be graduating in the next 60 days).
- I have none of the above.
02(For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?- Yes
- No
- Does not apply
03This position requires a criminal background check prior to employment. 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. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?- Yes
- No
04I understand that I must hold a valid driver's license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business.- Yes
- No
* Required Question
