Social Worker - Joan B. Poliak Seattle Field Office

Job Summary

Utilizing a collaborative, innovative, evidence-informed, trauma and healing approach to practice, we engage families and community partners in the urgent, relentless pursuit of legal and relational permanency and well-being for all children and families so that no child ages out of foster care and all young people experience belonging and connection to family, community, and culture.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provides case management services for children, youth, young adults and families, in accordance with CFS practice standards, local regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.

• This includes clinical assessment of individual and family safety/functioning/needs; assessing and identifying pathways and barriers to legal and relational permanency; arranging for supportive and ameliorative services that address permanency and well-being needs; such as social emotional, educational, employment/vocational, and working effectively with the local child welfare jurisdiction, tribes, and community partners to achieve the identified outcomes.

• Maintains a focus on connection to family, community, and culture for all clients served.

• Assesses the need for relevant services and coordinates with vendors in securing the delivery of services and follows outlined office procedures for specific requests.

• Complies with all documentation requirements for internal and external audits of case records and documents work to inform best practice in expediting permanency in foster care.

• Guides the process towards permanency and improved well-being by engaging all stakeholders in the development of assessment and implementation of goals and service strategies to meet those goals.

• Collaborates with field office leadership and staff to coordinate teaming activities to expedite improved outcomes for all clients served and to support a continuous learning environment.

• Participates in staff meetings to assess referrals/resource families, analyze data to inform practice/program improvements and identify process improvement to ensure field office goals are met.

• Uses alternative technology, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams to accomplish work.

• May consult, teach, facilitate groups, and assist in the advancement of learning of targeted youth, professionals, and families.

• Serves on various workgroups or committees.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field from an accredited institution, that includes a clinical internship or practicum, and a minimum of five years clinical experience in child welfare or other child and family service-related practice is required.

• Broad knowledge of social work practice and clinical theory, including assessment and intervention skills in family systems approach, is essential.

• Expertise in the areas of permanency, improved well-being outcomes for youth in care, and family engagement, community support and evidenced based and promising practices aimed at strengthening families and ensuring child safety required.

• Clinical expertise in the area of family systems and knowledge in the areas of substance abuse, mental health and domestic violence necessary.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, respect for tribal sovereignty, and respect for cultural, racial, and gender difference is required.

• Personal qualities demonstrating adaptability, curiosity, collaboration and a capacity for self-reflection and commitment to lifelong learning are a must.

• Ability to contribute effectively with and across teams and with external partners necessary.

• Ability to perform effectively in high pressure and stressful work environment.

• Ability to manage stress and self-care.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to lift and reach for light objects;

• The ability to type and work at a computer for extended periods of time as a primary job function.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage

• Accrual of 12 days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year

• One personal holiday to use each calendar year

• Up to eight weeks of parental leave for the birth or placement of a child for adoption or foster care after 10 years of continuous, full-time regular employment

• A three-month sabbatical with pay after 10 years of continuous, full-time regular employment