Social Services Professional - Senior



Social Services Professional - Senior

Salary

$83,865.60 - $106,308.80 Annually

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2023AO18247

Department

DPH - Public Health

Division

Jail Health Services

Opening Date

03/06/2023

Closing Date

3/24/2023 12:00 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

C9A : PROTEC17-DPH, DCHS-Health Prof

Summary

Public Health – Seattle and King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. 
 
Jail Health Services Division of Public Health | Seattle & King County is seeking a full time Lead Diversion Care Coordinator to join our Diversion team. Our team includes a Diversion Program Manager who oversees Diversion Programming. This includes Therapeutic Alternative Diversion (TAD) out of King County District Court and Community Diversion Program (CDP) out of King County Superior Court, a Diversion Program Assistant who assists with overall program support, four Diversion Care Coordinators who provide direct services to program participants and a Diversion Community Services Coordinator who maintains and monitors contracts with (CDP) contracted community-based providers. These programs are a collaboration between King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO), King County Executive Team and King County Public Health. Direct services are provided by Diversion Care Coordinators serving Seattle & King County’s legally involved community members who have been referred to TAD or CDP. The goal of these programs is to mitigate the criminalization of Behavioral Health and poverty by diverting certain low-level property and drug charges into TAD and CDP in lieu of continued involvement in the mainstream legal system. The Diversion Team works to honor program participants self-determination and autonomy while working within the confines of the criminal legal system. This position requires advocacy within institutions founded in systemic racism, identifying, and reducing barriers to care while pushing for systemic change.
 
The primary responsibility of this position includes providing clinical and program support to the Diversion Program and Team. The candidate chosen for this position will work as part of the Diversion Team to complete a risk and needs assessment and connect program participants to community-based services. The candidate chosen for this position will work as part of our small Diversion Team. Members of this team are responsible for short-term care coordination of program participants. Diversion Care Coordinators work to identify and collaborate with community, medical, mental health, and social service providers to facilitate participants’ successful transition to and engagement with relevant community-based services. Diversion Care Coordinators collaborate with program participants and assist in reducing barriers to care, access to participant stated service needs and stabilization for those experiencing crisis.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Brown, and Indigenous People of Color.
We are committed to recruiting diverse people, create programs, measures, and systems accountability to make sure that BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and those people holding marginalized identities feel that they belong and have opportunity to succeed. We are committed to developing a systematic approach to assessing and monitoring institutional change, ensuring implicit bias and its consequences are understood and that people of diverse backgrounds are welcome and respected.
 
Commitment to Equity and Social Justice:
 As the only county in the United States named after Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations' history, King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. Together, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.
 
 We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all of our residents, regardless of their race or income. All of these qualities make King County one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
 
 To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Who May Apply: This full-time Career Service position is open to all qualified applicants.
 
Work Schedule This 1.0 FTE works 40 hours per week. The Diversion Program staff coverage is provided Monday through Friday during the business hours of 7am-6pm with some flexibility within those business hours.
 
Work Location: The Chinook building, 401 5th Ave., Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98104 will be the primary work location in addition to an optional telecommuting day once a week or as appropriate for staffing capacity and program need. This candidate will be required to provide support to our program participants in various community locations throughout King County. Staff assigned to this team will maintain ongoing clearance to King County Jails.

Job Duties

  • Effectively work with both contracted and non-contracted community-based providers in trouble shooting any service delivery issues by identifying process issues or barriers and identifying solutions. Consulting with the Diversion Program Manager as needed.
  • Manage administrative duties related to referrals to diversion programming, manage daily referral assignments to care coordinators, entry of referrals into electronic health record, and triaging referrals as needed. 
  • Performs chart reviews and other quality assurance activities to ensure appropriate and timely documentation in the electronic health record and other systems as needed.  
  • Identify and foster new possibilities for effective collaboration with outside community-based providers, referral, and program partners. 
  • Performs comprehensive, needs assessments, screen for mental health and substance use disorders, identify immediate concerns that inform the development of a participant-centered and directed service plan.
  • For out-of-custody participants: ensuring participants are assisted with navigating various processes for service connection, housing/shelter, medical, Behavioral Health and other service needs.
  • For in-custody participants: coordinate internal services through close collaboration with Jail Health Service staff and other social service programs in the King County Jail and the staff of other King County departments, including the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. 
  • Assist community-based service providers to establish, re-establish or maintain services with their participants. 
  • Provide forensic/legal case management by closely monitoring a participant’s legal context to support the implementation of the service plan and completion of the program. 
  • Collaborate closely with defense attorneys, city/county prosecutors and community-based providers as needed to support the participant in service connection, other legal obligations and/or completion of the program.
  • Ongoing commitment to a growing knowledge and good working relationship with key community-based providers, defense attorneys, city/county prosecutors, DAJD or other criminal legal personnel when relevant. 
  • Identify and foster new possibilities for effective collaboration with community-based providers and program partners. 
  • Provide emotional support, trauma-informed care, and/or assessment for suicidal ideation to participants in crisis. 
  • Provide supportive guidance to improve the potential for service engagement, reduce barriers currently in place for service connection and engagement.  
  • Serve on workgroups and committees working to assure appropriate standards of participant care by centering participant needs and programmatic concerns within Jail Health Services and the community. 
  • Take the lead with on-boarding new Diversion Team members. Participate, develop, and inform the recruitment of Jail Health Service staff, hiring and training Diversion Team members.
  • Develop and inform the ongoing evolution of Diversion programming by providing direction, determining priorities, interpreting procedural guidelines, ensuring standard of work, assisting Diversion Care Coordinators, and co-creating plans to address needs.
  • Ongoing commitment to promoting Equity and Social Justice within Jail Health Services.
  • Ongoing commitment to understanding how the intersections of participants’ social identities and experiences impact engagement and connection to community-based services.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  • At least four years of recent, relevant work experience with people involved in the criminal legal system within King, Pierce and/or Snohomish County OR two years of recent, relevant work experience and a bachelor's degree in a social science. 
  • Ability to manage a participant caseload with a range of functioning, stability and needs. Participants will have co-occurring disorders, complex challenges, trauma history, legal involvement and may be harder to reach physically and clinically. 
  • Demonstrated ability to train direct service staff, plan and facilitate the provision of program participant care, and assist staff with complex or difficult cases.
  • Experience providing harm reduction, recovery, or recovery-related service connection for participants with substance use disorders, including referral and linkage to inpatient, outpatient, safer use services and/or medication assisted treatment.
  • Ongoing commitment to learning, understanding and effective application of culturally humble practices when working with marginalized identities, including the LGBTQIA+, immigrant and refugee communities. 
  • Ongoing commitment to learning, understanding, and effective application of anti-racist practices when working with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
  • Recent experience with adults (age 18 and older) presenting with complex needs requiring multiple system involvement for resolution. 
  • Knowledge of specific challenges, trauma responses, behavior and needs for people experiencing legal involvement, housing instability, poverty, substance use disorder and mental health diagnoses compounded by discrimination and systemic oppression. 
  • Ongoing commitment to a growing knowledge of participant-centered, trauma-informed, and cultural humility practices.
  • Ongoing commitment to a working knowledge of relevant interview techniques while performing assessments and co-creating service planning with participants.
  • Skill in fostering participant self-determination, autonomy and rapport building with harder to reach people. 
  • Experience with street/encampment and/or community outreach. 
  • Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, including assessment for risk of suicide or harm to self or others. 
  • Ability to foster and maintain effective working relationships across multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability to set and maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries. 
  • Ability to learn and effectively use electronic health record systems. 
  • Comfort and familiarity with computers, cell phones, MS Teams, MS Word, MS Excel, multiple database programs, Internet, and Outlook.
  • Must possess a valid Washington Driver’s License to drive a county vehicle. 
Most Competitive Applicants: 
 
  • Proficiency in a language other than English.  
  • Additional education or certification relevant to this work. 
  • Experience in forensic/legal case management: navigating participants’ court dates, legal obligations, advocating resolutions within the legal system and addressing the court in multiple municipalities within King, Pierce, and Snohomish County.
  • Experience outreaching in the King, Pierce and/or Snohomish County with individuals without stable housing, experiencing co-occurring disorders, IVDU, legal involvement or significant trauma.
  • Experience rolling out new programming within King County, Pierce and/or Snohomish County that serves adults without stable housing, experiencing co-occurring disorders, IVDU, legal involvement and/or significant trauma. 
  • Experience as a lead or supervisor in a social service environment with similar program functioning

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

If you are the successful candidate for the position(s), as a condition of your employment, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to work in the medical clinic(s) outlined in this job posting prior to your start date.  To ensure this condition is met, prior to your start date, the county will send you a conditional offer letter requesting you to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Application Process (submit electronically): 
  • Job Application with completed supplemental questions
  • Resume
  • Supplemental Questions
You can attach multiple documents if necessary or required, such as your cover letter or resume to your application. Your options are:
  • Copy and paste one or more documents into the text resume section of the application. 
  • Attach multiple documents/files in the resume attachment section.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Your application materials must validate your answers to the supplemental questions. If your answers cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the process.
 
 The selected candidate will be required to pass a thorough background investigation.
 
 This selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, testing and interviewing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs/applying.aspx
 
 Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
 
 Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
 
 Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
 
 Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
 
 If you need a disability accommodation in the application or testing process, please call the contact number listed on the job announcement.
 
 Applicants from this job posting may be used to fill temporary or other positions in this classification for a period of up to a year.
 
 Additional Information: 
 Public Health - Jail Health Services follows and maintains federal and state requirements standards including, but not limited to, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards which apply to all public and private institutions that house adult or juvenile offenders. PREA standards preclude the department from hiring or promoting anyone who has engaged in, or been convicted of any conduct which would violate PREA standards related to sexual assault including:
  • Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 
  • Convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or, 
  • Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.
Additionally, PREA standards require that the department consider any incidents of sexual harassment involving an inmate or detainee in determining whether or not to hire or promote anyone.
 
 The above is in compliance with PREA and its implementing regulations, 28 C.F.R. Part 115, Subpart A, Section 115.17, Hiring and Promotion Decisions.
 
 Union Affiliation: 
 Positions in this classification are represented by: Protec 17

 Contact: For more information about the application process, please contact Alexis Owens at Alowens@kingcounty.gov.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
Please describe your experience as a lead or supervisor in a social service environment with similar program functioning.
02
Please describe your experience leading and coordinating the work of direct service staff, associated staff, and providing clinical, strengths-based assistance and guidance.
03
Please describe your experience in forensic/legal case management: navigating participant's court dates, legal obligations, advocating resolutions within the legal system and addressing the court in multiple municipalities within King, Pierce, and Snohomish County.
04
Please describe your experience coordinating services for participants with complex needs (i.e. medical, mental health, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders and behavioral) who are involved in the criminal legal system.
05
Please describe how working in a diversion program fits into your values, ethics, and approach to direct service provision.
06
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
07
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404