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.

We're looking for a Safety & Monitoring Specialist (SSS3) to join our team to help support and protect children, youth, and families. Together we will work 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:
The Licensing Division within DCYF is currently seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to join our team in completing foster license renewals, foster license amendments due to moves, Non-CPS investigations, Health and Safety visits, and Over Capacities in licensed foster homes. Safety & Monitoring Specialists carry a caseload of licensed foster homes for ongoing maintenance duties as well. If you are passionate about caring for children and providing them the support they desperately need, ensuring they are being provided the tools and comfort to thrive within placement, our Social Service Specialist 3 may be your next career.

Some of what you'll do as a Safety & Monitoring Specialist:

• Complete renewals and moves of licensed foster homes.
• Perform assessment of eligibility for renewal and amendments (moves) of existing foster home licenses within required timelines.
• Maintain foster home licenses and license compliance.
• Address immediate licensing concerns and or/ violations of minimum licensing requirements (MLR) as needed while providing assistance and support to foster families.
• Provide technical assistance and interpretation of policy and statute governing licensing.
• Develop compliance agreements to bring foster home providers into compliance with minimum licensing requirements.
• Review renewal and move applications for completion.
• Perform physical inspections of all areas of the home, outbuildings, and surrounding premises.
• Provide comprehensive and ongoing assessment that includes family strengths and cultural values.
• Represent the Department in administrative hearings regarding denials/revocations or renewal applications.
• Conduct investigations of allegations of violations of MLR in licensed foster homes.
• Complete required health and safety monitoring visits.
• Provide consultation to the applicants, refer to services or training, and provide support throughout the license renewal and move process.
• Utilize FamLink to document and maintain provider records.

What we're looking for:
Professionals with one year of paid social service experience assessing risk and safety to children and/or providing family-focused practice services centered around the child (strengthening and preserving family units) AND one of the following:

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 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 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:

• Previously demonstrated ability to effectively partner with, communicate (verbal and written), comprehend, and articulate clear, achievable recommendations and solutions with diverse populations.
• Previous demonstrated ability to research, comprehend, interpret and apply current applicable laws, rules, and policies related to licensed facilities within Washington State and deliver services accordingly.
• Previously demonstrated competency in computer skills including the ability to type, and operate basic computer programs including Word and Excel, and the ability to learn agency software programs.
• Previous demonstrated ability to multi-task and organize information to maintain timely FamLink documentation within program and manual standards.

How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter

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**

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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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) 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.

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