DCYF Child Protective Services Investigators (SSS3) - Tacoma

Company: State of Washington
Location: Olympia
Posted on: June 6, 2021

Job Description:

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.

Do you want to help families and communities safely care for their children? We're looking for Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigators who can look out for the best interest of child safety, 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:

This CPS Investigators will provide front line, specialized case management skills in complex situations involving children. You will conduct investigations and interviews with children and families where there is an allegation of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In the CPS unit, you will ultimately determine if children are safe with their families, and intervene in situations where children are at risk. The goal is to correct parental deficits and family environments so children can be safe, and flourish in their homes.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Lead ongoing assessments and interventions on assigned intakes to determine child safety and take protective action as needed.
• Apply child welfare practice principles, laws, rules and policies in assessing and intervening on assigned intakes or cases to protect children and deliver services to families.
• Interview children, families, and collateral sources to assess risks to children and determine family needs.
• Assess the needs, risks, and dynamics for out-of-home placement, preparing and counseling families through the process.
• Create referrals to appropriate law enforcement agencies, medical evaluations, and forensic interviews.
• Monitor the health and safety of children through regular visits to placement facilities and other settings.
• Develop and implement service and safety plans for children and families, and complete health and safety visits.
• Provide support services such as counseling, problem resolution, guidance, and referrals to advocacy and mediation.
• Provide short-term voluntary placement of children with licensed foster care or relative resources, working with families to resolve abuse or neglect.
• Initiate payments, document case activities, and maintain case records in the FAMLINK case management system.
• Coordinate with Children's Health and Education Track (CHET) specialists to screen children for behavioral, health, and educational needs.
• Prepare dependency petitions and required legal documents for court, placement, and service delivery.

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 one year 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 two years of social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

• Note: 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:

• One year of experience assessing risk and safety with regards to child abuse and neglect concerns, or developing safety or service plans with families.
• Knowledge of community resources and the local community.
• Ability to effectively communicate and comprehend with management, peers, clients, community colleagues, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Ability to multitask and organize information to meet FamLink documentation requirements

How do I apply? 

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Current resume detailing experience and education
• Cover letter or letter of interest
• College transcripts

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.

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 dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov 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 support@neogov.com.

 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.

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Keywords: State of Washington, Olympia , DCYF Child Protective Services Investigators (SSS3) - Tacoma, Other , Olympia, Washington