Social Services Associate - Kotzebue; PCN

Job Description

Office of Children's Services (OCS) is recruiting for a full‑time Social Services Associate (SSA) located in Kotzebue, Alaska. This position is open to Alaska residents only.

• Support professional staff by gathering information for assessments, case planning, and evaluation.
• Provide parenting support during family contact to enable parents to practice parenting skills in a safe environment.
• Access electronic databases and provide information to professional staff to facilitate referrals to other agencies.
• Work with families and children to enhance families’ capacities, promote a healthy start, maintain cultural connections, and help them realize their potential.
• Maintain professionalism, calmness, motivation, efficiency, and strong critical thinking skills.

• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, politeness; effective relationships; sensitivity to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Customer Service:
  Works with clients and customers to assess needs, provide information or assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations; knowledge of available products and services; commitment to quality service.
• Adaptability:
  Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
• Teamwork:
  Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

One year of any combination of post‑secondary or vocational education and/or experience in assisting clients, customers, the public, or other staff in the application of guidelines, policies, or services.

• Valid Real a driver's license is required.
• Background check and fingerprinting will be required.
• Travel to villages or cities 4+ times per month is expected; travel may involve unconventional means such as ATV, snow machine, boat, or small planes.
• Ongoing after‑hours, on‑call, and holiday work may be required.

• Health insurance with employer contributions (medical/vision/dental).
• Retirement benefits (PERS/TRS, matching contributions, defined contribution program).
• Paid leave, including twelve paid holidays per year.
• Paid training and professional development.
• Paid mileage reimbursement when a personal vehicle is used for work‑related matters.
• Probationary period of 12 months as training; formal and on‑the‑job training with supervisor and colleagues.

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats should contact the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811‑0201 or 1‑800‑587‑4095. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.