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.

The Opportunity (Social & Health Program Consultant 4):
We are looking for a Placement Services Program Manager (SHPC4) 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."

As a Placement Services Program Manager, you will supervise Regional delivery of services to high-risk, high-needs children and families. You will oversee the program areas of Behavior Rehabilitation Services, Child Placing Agency (PA) Contracts/services, Liaison to DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration), oversees the Foster Care Rate Assessor for Region 2, provides gatekeeping duties for the ResCare contracts, and is the Medically Fragile liaison for Region 2, and oversee the Region 2 Placement Team. You will engage in liaison work with various community partners. As such, this job leads all Region 2 professional staff (Social Service Specialists, Supervisors, and Managers) in the implementation and utilization of these programs. You will utilize cultural competency to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with clients, subordinate staff and other individuals across cultures, focusing on understanding and respecting the strengths of the clients including their heritage, cultural beliefs and values, communication and learning styles.

Some of what you will do:

• Determine appropriateness of, and facilitate services for high-risk clients.
• Provide Technical consultation and training to the community and community partners, providers, staff, etc. regarding DCYF Programs/Services.
• Lead, coordinate and organize a professional team of technical experts for the provision of community/provider technical support and training.
• Approve and/or develop training and technical assistance curricula.
• Apply child welfare practice, principles, laws, rules, and policies in assessing and placing children.
• Maintain thorough knowledge and excellent working relationships with foster parents regionally and statewide, placement agencies, other placement coordinators, and office staff.
• Apply child Welfare practice, principles, laws, rules, and policies in Foster Care Rate Assessment.
• Oversee supervision/direction of the Region 2 Foster Care Rate Assessor, and Mental Health liaison.
• Coordinate and collaborate, through cross division MOU’s, to provide effective communication, collaboration, education, technical assistance and support to ensure appropriate and quality outcomes or children/youth and their families.
• Respond promptly to client, caregiver and community concerns. Take steps to resolve issues and improve child safety, staff skills and/or office procedures as necessary.

What we are looking for:
One year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 3 or equivalent,
OR
Two years of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 2 or equivalent,
OR
A Master's degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field, AND four years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.
OR
A bachelor's degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration or a related field, AND five years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

Note: Two years of paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units).

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 those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Strong working knowledge of FamLink.
• Demonstrates strong risk assessment, safety assessment skills and has strong working knowledge of developing effective safety plans that reduces future risk of child abuse or neglect and improves child safety.
• Demonstrates strong writing skills in preparing clear, accurate and comprehensive reports or documents.
• Demonstrates strong oral communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of culturally competent best practice in case planning and decision making.
• Knowledge and understanding of connection between research, data and practice.
• Strong working knowledge of child injury dynamics.
• Strong working knowledge of child development, including early childhood brain development.
• Documented history of applying best practices to achieve child safety outcomes.
• Demonstrates strong professional ethics, supports and engages in an ethical and productive work environment.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and sound independent judgment in organizational environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Child Protective Services’ roles, responsibilities and authority.
• Working knowledge of DCYF programs and policies, Family Voluntary Services, Child and Family Welfare Services, Family Reconciliation Services, Adoptions, Interstate Compact, etc.

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

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• College Transcripts (unofficial accepted).

Supplemental Information:
Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1 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.

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

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) 280-3173 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.

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.

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