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 Home Study Specialist (SSS3) to join our team to conduct home study assessments and foster home licensure, 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:
The Home Study Specialist conducts interviews and gathers comprehensive information in order to ensure children are placed in safe foster, kinship, and adoptive homes. This individual will produce written home studies that accurately describe the potential caregivers’ family history, and include the strengths, limitations, and overall recommendation of the home study. Using cultural competency and strength-based communication, this individual will build partnerships with families and providers to address safety concerns and build an environment conducive to the child’s wellbeing.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Perform assessments, conduct intensive interviews, and gather information to complete home study assessments and licensing processes.
• Provide consultation to applicants, refer to services or training, and provide support throughout the UHS and licensing process.
• Review background checks, administrative approvals, waivers, and disqualifications, and complete character and competency reviews.
• Assist licensed foster families to retain the family as a service provider.
• Provide technical assistance and policy interpretation to foster families seeking license approval.
• Make timely notification of foster home licensure to other staff, including placement coordinators and the Developmental Disabilities Administration as appropriate.
• Work with other DCYF programs to maintain communication with licensed homes in order to ensure safety and stability.
• Complete facility inspections, interview caregivers, and interview children, and other professionals to ensure safe and healthy home placements for children.
• Partner with other Social Services Specialists in investigating allegations of WAC violations and provide technical assistance to foster parents in correcting areas of need.
• Provide testimony at administrative hearings and other court proceedings regarding home studies and licensing action.
• Participate in efforts to recruit and retain foster families, including community presentations or meetings.

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 paid 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 paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

• One year of paid professional experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

• 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.

Degree must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org.

• Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S. Incomplete applications may be screened out of the recruitment process.

In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal candidate will also possess some or all of the following:

• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse populations.
• A solid foundation and understanding of agency policies, WACs, and RCWs related to licensing foster homes.
• Experience in program management in a regulatory or supervisory capacity for facilities providing care to children.
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate verbally and in writing with management, peers, clients, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Be able to travel without restrictions.
• Skills in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Department databases.

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

• 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.

To take advantage of the 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.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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.

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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