Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community." Attention: This recruitment has been reposted for additional applicants. There is no need to reapply if you have already applied- your application status remains unchanged. Job Title: Permanency/Adoptions Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) Location: Tacoma, WA. - Region 5.  Region Map. This position requires time in the field and in the office, full-time teleworking is not an option.   Closes: 12/26/24 Salary (Monthly): Social Service Specialist 2: $5,117 - $6,876. Social Service Specialist 3: $5,370 - $7,226.    We are looking for a Social Service Specialist 3 or Social Service Specialist 2 in training who will be responsible for providing case management services to clients and families in the Permanency/Adoption Unit. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively and partner effectively with co-workers, supervisors, administration, and community partners to assess child safety and support children and families. If you are passionate about permanency for children, apply today!   Click here to learn more about DCYF.     The Opportunity: This position works with children and adoptive families by providing services to address identified needs, providing services and support while helping legally free children establish permanency by searching, recruiting, and placing children in adoptive homes and finalizing adoptions. This position provides day-to-day case management services to legally free children that span a vast geographical area in Western Washington. This position also helps advocate and seek permanency for legally free children by working with various private child placing/adoption agencies, as well as Northwest Adoption Exchange (NWAE) to find permanent homes for children in the child welfare system.  Some of what you will get to do: * Meet all casework management directives required by law, policy, and mandates. * Provide ongoing case management, service and permanency planning, and crisis intervention.  * Assess risk and safety; assess resource needs of the child, and provide placement, stabilization, and permanency supports. * Help prepare and counsel children regarding permanent placement and adoption, and other potential permanent plans. * Monitor the current placement and build a relationship with the child by conducting monthly health and safety visits. * Utilize FamLink to document case activity and update case records. * Consult with attorneys and court-appointed advocates, prepare court reports, and present testimony at court hearings.  * Arrange/accommodate sibling visits when needed.  Required Qualifications:  The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, however, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level with an In-Training plan to advance to a Social Service Specialist 3.     To qualify as a Social Service Specialist 2: Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.  OR  A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND completed practicum.  OR  A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience.  OR  One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.  Paid Social Service experience (assessing risk and safety is not required). To qualify as a Social Service Specialist 3: Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.  OR  A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.  OR A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.  OR  One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.  * Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Degrees 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 a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org.  For Degrees obtained outside the U.S.: Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application.  Incomplete applications may be screened out of the recruitment process. 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 regarding child abuse and neglect concerns or developing safety and service plans with families. * Knowledge and familiarity with the local community and resources. * Experience with FamLink and documentation requirements. * Experience using computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. How do I apply?  Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:  *  Transcripts (Transcripts are required for any non-DCYF applicant. An unofficial copy of transcripts is acceptable for application submission. )   *  Cover Letter   *  Current resume detailing experience and education  Supplemental Information:  The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.  If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.  The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.  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 requires a valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver's license.  This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  For more information: https://wfse.org/    If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact DCYF Recruiter.  If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.     Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388. 2024-12003