Placement Exception Social Service Support Specialist; SSSS; Belonging​/Vancouver

Social Service Support Specialist (SSSS)

Our vision is to ensure that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".

We are looking for a Social Service Support Specialist (SSSS) to join our team at the Vancouver Belonging House Exception Facility. Placement Exception Facilities provide short-term living options for foster youth, aged 13 to 18, with high behavioral and mental health concerns who require high-level supervision and do not currently have a placement. These facilities can accommodate up to seven youth, with a staff-to-youth ratio of one SSS or support specialist for every three youth.

Would you like a career where you make a significant difference in the lives of children? If so, apply today.

The Opportunity:

This Social Service Support Specialist position requires strong assessment and engagement skills to support youth with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs. This position will require the ability to manage crisis situations calmly and demonstrate skills of de-escalation. The Social Service Support Specialist will always model positive pro-social behavior with youth and staff in Placement Exception Facilities.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Provide supervision and monitoring of all Belonging House youth.
• Transport/monitor youth to and from school and community-based appointments.
• Provide therapeutic engagement, including free play and directed activities.
• Coach, mentor, and teach life skills.
• Conduct routine and random resident checks, including head counts, building integrity checks, key control, room searches, and make required security calls.
• Manage weekly/monthly appointment calendar.
• Prepare, serve, and supervise meals.
• Complete documentation in FAMLINK

Required Qualifications:

One year of paid/unpaid experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, supervised volunteer experience in youth/child-oriented organizations, counseling youth, education, or home visitations. OR Two years of social service education from an accredited post-high school program may substitute for experience.

Note:

The incumbent must successfully obtain a Washington State Food Handler card within 14 days of employment.

Preferred/Desired

Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree and one year of experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, supervised volunteer experience in youth/child-oriented organizations, counseling youth, education, and home visitations
• Previous demonstrated experience using FAMLINK.
• Previous demonstrated work experience in preparing records.

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

• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• Cover Letter
• College transcripts - if applicable to qualifications (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes.)

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 goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.