Cps Intake Social Service Specialist 4 (Sss4) - Spokane Valley

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."
The Opportunity:
We're looking for a Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to join us in the Child Protective Services Intake Unit. In this role, you will function as a lead worker over Social Service Specialist staff who provide professional-level Social Services to clients involved with Child Protective Services Investigations and Family Assessment Response. This position will provide coaching, mentoring, on-the-job training, and assistance in the transition of staff from a formal training program to fieldwork. This position assigns work, conducts case reviews, conducts on-the-job training, establishes and maintains procedures for efficient workflow, and acts as unit supervisor in absence of the supervisor.
Some of what you will get to do:

• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff in Child Protective Services Investigations and Family Assessment Response.
• Conduct on the job training and assistance with staff.
• Provide Social Services professional staff with guidance and direction.
• In conjunction with the supervisor, assign work, review work for efficacy, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy.
• Responsible for reporting on strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor, providing feedback for annual performance evaluations, and identifying training needs.
• Provide coverage of assigned caseloads in the absence of a Social Service Specialist.
• In the supervisor's absence, attend meetings and provide supervisory coverage.
• Serve as an investigator and FAR lead worker assigned to the most complex CPS cases determined by the supervisor or Area Administrator.
• Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.

What we're looking for:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 3.
OR
Three years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and four years of paid Social Service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Master's degree in Social Services, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and two years of paid Social Service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid Social Service experience.

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.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Outlook, Excel) and data input (keyboarding) skills.
• Experience in multiple program areas: CPS, CFWS, FVS, FRS, adoptions, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to complete investigations/assessments in the homes and residences of individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate through oral and written forms of communication, with management, peers, clients, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend and follow oral and written directives/instructions.
• Demonstrated ability and skill to interview utilizing an interpreter or those with a mental or physical impairment/disability.
• Demonstrated ability to compose professionally cogent and grammatically correct letters.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts or complaints between persons and groups with diverse personalities and differing goals.
• Ability to de-escalate and diffuse potential crisis situations.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize workload and assist others in managing cases.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and evaluate social dynamics affecting client choice and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to independently assess situations and utilize good professional independent judgment.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities to diffuse sometimes hostile situations and make decisions regarding personal safety.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities to evaluate a crisis situation and/or complex case issue and staff with appropriate authority to avoid potential liability and/or negative outcomes.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities to use a computer and software applications and learn new programs (e.g. agency databases, and perform Internet searches).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and update records and file case documents.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities to determine whether a reported allegation meets the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) definition of abuse, exploitation, neglect or self-neglect.

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:
**Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1 (Download PDF reader) state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation**
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.
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.
To take advantage of Veteran's preferenceplease attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.
DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion and respect.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply on-line? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360)688-3529 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388
Experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application? Call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.
05775Employment Type: Full Time - Permanent