DCYF - Social Service Intake Specialist (SSS3) - Tumwater Salary $4,167.00 - $5,465.00 Monthly Location Thurston County Tumwater, WA Job Type Full Time - Permanent Department Dept of Children, Youth, and Families Job Number 2018-10169 Closing 11/26/2018 11:59 PM Pacific Description is a new cabinet agency in Washington State that has been established for the purpose of delivering existing services in a way that produces better outcomes for children, youth, and families served by the State of Washington. We're looking for a Social Service Specialist 3 to join our team to help build DCYF, 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: Are you ready to advance your career within Social Services with an agency that is innovative, diverse, and ready to affect change? The Intake Social Service Specialist performs intake assessment in the office and responds to telephone, walk-in referrals, and written reports of child abuse and/or neglect cases and other Child Welfare Services requests. Our hardworking, collaborative team is searching for a highly skilled Social Service Specialist 3 to join our Tumwater office. Here is some of what you'll do as an Intake Social Service Specialist (SSS3): Gather information through interviews and information gathering and assess whether there are current safety threats that would prevent unsupervised access to children in the care and custody of DCYF. Gather relevant documents including Law Enforcement Reports, Tribal Records, Military Records, Court Orders, Child Abuse/Neglect history, written applicant statements, references, and/or other records required to ensure a thorough assessment of the applicant. Uses independent judgement to interpret and render determinations of requests based on criminal and negative action history and character, suitability and competence assessments. Interprets and applies state and federal laws, rules, regulations and agency policy concerning placement, adoption, or other unsupervised access to children in out of home care. Returns to telephone calls to all providers, caregivers, potential caregivers, and other stakeholders in a timely manner (within 24 hours) as specified in agency policy. Works collaboratively with DCYF social workers and licensers to maintain communication in order to ensure the safety, well-being, and permanency for children in out of home care. What we are looking for: Professionals with One year as a Social Service Specialist 2 (formerly Social Worker 2) OR Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and three years of *paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. OR Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and two years of *paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. A practicum will be substituted for the one year of paid social service experience Note: Degrees must be obtained from an accredited institution. Equivalent social service experience includes previous classes of Caseworker 3 or higher. In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following: Ability to work cooperatively with diverse populations Working understanding of agency policies, WAC, RCW, and federal statutes related to background check requirements for licensed facility staff, licensed foster parents, and unlicensed caregiver for children in out of home care. Ability to effectively, clearly, and concisely communicate with management, peers, clients, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position Intermediate to advanced proficiency with MS Office suite and other electronic database systems. Ability to work independently and as a member of a interdependent team. How do I apply? In addition to completing the online application, applicants should attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position: Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position Current resume detailing experience and education Note: Be prepared to bring a copy of transcripts if selected for an interview Supplemental Information: 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. 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. Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply on-line? Contact the Recruitment team at or (360) 628-0114 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 . To take advantage of 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. General suggestions for creating a good application packet: Read the job posting very carefully. Find out as much as you can about the position. Make sure you are very diligent in following all the application instructions. Include all requested documentation. Make sure your application and supplemental question responses address how you meet each of the required and desired qualifications. Carefully read each of the supplemental questions and respond completely to each one. Pay careful attention to each component of the question, providing examples, and thoroughly describing when and where you achieved the proficiency level, and detail the types of work you performed, the work products, etc., to demonstrate 'how'. Specifically include all of your work experiences doing the same or similar work, especially if you reference work in these jobs in describing when/where you gained proficiency level skills. Make sure your application reflects your best writing. 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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information. Insurance Benefits Employees and 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 . 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 ' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the (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. Vacation (Annual Leave) You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per . Holidays Full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays: HOLIDAY DATE New Year's Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday Third Monday in January Presidents' Day Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Independence Day July 4 Labor Day First Monday in September Veterans' Day November 11 Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after Christmas Day December 25 Personal Holiday Employee's selection each calendar year *Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific for more information. 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. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in . Please visit the for more detailed information. 01 Which of the following best describes a combination of your education and experience in the social services field? I have a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. I have a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral science or a related field that included a social service practicum and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. I have a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral science or a related field, and three years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. I do not have any of the above. 02 Do you have a minimum of one year of paid social service experience assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units). Yes No 03 How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)? Washington State's career website: www.careers.wa.gov Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com) Washington State employee DCYF DCYF Recruiter College/university career fair or website Diversity network meeting/event Online job boards Other 04 If you selected 'College/university career fair or website', 'Diversity network meeting/event', 'Online job boards', or 'Other' above, please specify which college, university, diversity network meeting/event, online job boards and/or describe 'Other' below. Required Question Agency State of Washington Address View Job Posting for Agency Information View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Phone View Posting for Agency Contact Website