Description

**We have multiple vacancies for King County Court Worker/Social Service Specialist 3's (SSS3). This job posting will continue until all vacancies are filled. **

King County Premium: The salary listed above does not include the additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees.

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. 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."

We're looking for multiple Court Worker Specialist 3s (SSS3) or SSS2 in training to join our team serving families in Region 4, Seattle. Although the goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, we will consider Social Service Specialists at the SSS2 level with an in-training plan to advance to SSS3. This is a great way to advance your career in Social Services!
The Opportunity:
Within the Department of Children Youth and Families, Field Operations Division, Region 4 Regional Programs office, this position entails performing an advanced level of work related to the specialized Dependency Court work and case management in the CFWS-Child and Family Welfare Services unit. The purpose of this position includes writing legal petitions and initial Court reports, reviewing Court orders, assessing complex family situations, and offering services to children and families, in collaboration with the assigned CPS Investigations/CPS-FAR/FVS and CFWS Social Service Specialists. This position provides advanced-level specialized, culturally competent and solution-focused case management. In performing all assigned duties, the Court Worker Specialist adheres to the Child Safety Framework with a focus on child safety throughout the life of the case, risk assessment which guides service provision, and permanency and well-being through understanding and respecting the strengths of clients including their heritage, cultural beliefs and values, communication and learning styles.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Specialize in Juvenile Dependency Court services.
• Support the filling of Dependency petitions which includes: writing draft dependency petitions and declarations, completing and submitting Discovery prior to the initial Shelter Care Hearing and at the 30-day shelter care hearing, and preparing draft safety assessments for visitation purposes.
• Write and submit initial Court reports for the assigned Social Worker in alignment with the Comprehensive Family Assessment (CFE) mapping guide, and review proposed Court orders in collaboration with the assigned CFWS SSS2/3, prior to the 75-day Fact Finding hearing, to ensure consensus regarding the case plan.
• Ensure preparation of cases for Court presentation for Tribal Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) hearings, Shelter Care, Dependency Fact-Finding and Dispositional hearings.
• Consult with CPS/CFWS SSS and Assistant Attorney General as needed.
• Serve parents with legal documents and have the ability to explain the Dependency court process to parents and or legal guardians.
• Work with the regional Parent Locator to locate missing parents in an effort to serve petitions and corresponding legal notification; go to possible addresses to serve parents who do not attend court hearings; notify the clerk’s office of return of service.
• Coordinate with Department of Corrections (DOC) staff and serve incarcerated parents with Dependency petition packet; ensure arrangements are made for incarcerated parents to attend Court hearings; complete DOC Family Time visitation applications.
• Provide and support parents with the application for an attorney. File with the clerk’s office.
• When there is reason to know that ICWA applies, work with the regional Active Efforts OICW SW to ensure Tribes, and parents/legal caregivers are served.
• Ensure documented notification outcomes and efforts are provided to the AAG’s office.
• Request out-of-state records when indicated. Request parent’s/legal caregiver’s criminal history. Request parenting plans if applicable. Request Domestic Violence Protection Orders when indicated.
• Support, coach, and guide CPS/CFWS SSS’ regarding preparation and presentation for 30- day Case Conferences, including an articulation of any safety threats preventing reunification, services to reduce risk of future maltreatment and Conditions for Return Home; facilitate and participate in 30-day case conferences.
• Attend FTDM’s or staffings related to Court filing process (pre-filing staffings), and/or on cases prior to fact-finding.
• Submit parent service referrals prior to dependency, in collaboration with Child & Family Welfare Services worker: assessments, UA’s, evidence-based practices referrals, etc.
• Ensure Tribes are provided copies of petitions and all court documents.
• Participate in local office case staffings, and multidisciplinary and/or multi-agency case staffings.

What we are looking for (REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS):
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?
Complete your applicant profile with your full work history and highest education details, and attach a copy of your college transcripts. A resume and cover letter are not required but are highly recommended.

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 will be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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 it.

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 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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