Job Description

This individual will be responsible for providing a wide range of services (including assessment, licensing, and case management) on behalf of children in need of permanency. The majority of this work is family assessment and licensing with some direct work with families and children, including:

• Foster family preparation, licensing, and home study assessment done through a combination of remote and in-person work in the Puget Sound region
• Ensuring that the physical, emotional, and social needs of foster children placed in Amara foster homes will be met
• Liaising with DCYF professionals in the Licensing Division 
• Participating in the facilitation of family trainings and/or support groups
• Meeting requirements for timely, accurate, and thorough documentation for case files
• Attending and participating in staff meetings and trainings as required
• Flexing hours to accommodate family needs on an occasional and ongoing basis (ask that staff provide at minimum one evening a week for later appointments)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of paid social service experience – or – a master’s degree and one year of paid social service experience. A practicum may be considered as a substitute for one year of paid experience. Degree(s) must be in social services, human services, behavioral science, or an allied field.
• Knowledge of child development and family systems
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills; experience writing home studies and/or family assessments is required. Knowledge of the SAFE (Structured Assessment Family Evaluation) home study model is a plus
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, discretion, maturity, flexibility and independent judgment.
• Ability to work with all groups across age, religion, race, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender identity
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work in tandem with an outstanding professional team.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of auto insurance.
• Ability to assess and communicate in languages other than English is a plus.

Additional Information

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position with a annual salary of $50,000-$52,890 DOE. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid time off, paid sabbatical, health, vision and dental insurance, 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

Because this position has access to confidential client, employee, or financial information OR direct interaction with children, any final candidate hired into this position must successfully pass a criminal background check performed by the State of Washington. Any job offer is contingent on successfully passing this background check. A list of disqualifying convictions for this position is available at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/FSA/bccu/documents/Secretary%27sCrimesListforALLPrograms.pdf.  

TO APPLY

To express your interest in this position, please submit your resume, a one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you, and a professional writing sample of 1-5 pages that highlights your clinical and written communication skills in Smart Recruiters. Resumes submitted without a cover letter or writing sample will not be considered.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodations.

AMARA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER