Family Treatment Court Child and Family Welfare Specialist (SSS3) - Seattle

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.

We're looking for a Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) Specialist to join our team to provide human services to families, 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:
Do you want the opportunity to make a positive impact on families in need? Our King County Family Treatment Court unit is searching for a front-line CFWS Specialist who will be responsible for evaluating family situations, interviewing children and their families, assessing risk, and developing plans that focus on protecting children in the context of parental substance use. The position engages in intensive collaboration with families and their support systems, and works directly with the judge in a therapeutic court system weekly to offer engagement, encouragement, and accountability to parents in their pursuit of personal recovery and family reunification. This individual ensures that children are provided the supports they need in order to thrive safely with their family of origin or, when necessary, in their designated out-of-home placement. Additionally, this individual will understand and incorporate the strengths of families and their heritage, beliefs, and values into collaborative case planning to provide culturally competent case management services. We encourage you to apply and help us produce more positive outcomes for Washington state children and families.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Assess complex family situations and develop plans to protect and safely reunify children with their families in collaboration with the families themselves, natural and professional supports, tribal representatives, child advocates, attorneys, and the Court.
• Develop strengths-based and client-involved service plans that are culturally relevant, ADA-sensitive, and individualized.

• Prepare and counsel children and families for the safety-related basis for placement and separation, working through loss and trauma, and offering engagement and services to help families promptly reunite.
• Work with families and caregivers to find the best possible outcome for child placement that will be least restrictive and nurture the child's cultural and family ties.

• Refer for indicated behavioral health and parenting evaluations, treatment, and other interventions in partnership with community resources; monitor and evaluate service delivery and progress, and transparently report on progress to families and the Court.

• Conduct home visits, parent one-on-ones, and shared planning meetings to plan and complete tasks.

• Monitor health, safety, and overall well-being of children through monthly visitation and ensure provision of resources to support children and their caregivers.
• In collaboration with immediate family, extended family, kin, and children themselves (as appropriate), conduct permanency planning for children in out-of-home placement with little prospect for safe reunification after provision of services, which may include pursuing guardianship, adoption, long-term foster care, or other arrangements as indicated.
• Prepare and file court reports, motions, and other legal documents, and provide trial testimony regarding child safety and permanency.

What we are looking for:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field AND two years of social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND three years of 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.

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

• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on the delivery of child protective and child welfare services within Washington State and delivery of services accordingly.
• Familiarity with addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorder.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with families, community partners, and professionals around difficult or sensitive topics.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with child caregivers (foster parents, relatives, kin, or facility staff).
• Ability to evaluate, analyze, and assess risk and safety in family situations as defined by law and best practice, using the agency's objective risk assessment model.

How do I apply?
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• Current resume detailing work history
• Cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position
• College Transcripts

Supplemental Information:

Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 state employees must be fully vaccinated. Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is a condition of employment. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination in order to become/remain a DCYF employee. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet the requirement due to a medical or religious necessity.

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 preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.

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 online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 280-3173 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.

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Employment Type: Full Time - Permanent