THE AGENCY:
Vashon Youth and Family Services (VYFS) is a social service organization serving the community of Vashon Island. VYFS is comprised of four core programs: Behavioral Health/Substance Use Disorder; Vashon Kids; Family Place; and Community Resource Navigation. Our mission is to foster a thriving community of emotionally healthy and resilient children, youth, adults, and families. We prioritize serving Vashon’s most vulnerable populations and communities, particularly those who face systemic barriers to accessing services and/or belong to groups historically excluded from resources, recovery and power.
We achieve this mission through the strengths, talent and dedication of our staff. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest professional, clinical and fiscal standards and are deeply committed to learning and continuous improvement.
THE POSITION:
The VYFS School-Based Social Worker position is new to VYFS and is funded through a partnership with the Vashon Health Care District as part of a Youth Behavioral Health Expansion Initiative including VYFS, Neighborcare, DOVE Project, and the Vashon schools. This position is school-based but will involve significant time in the field including home visits, as well as visits to other community locations to ensure access to care. A physical office will be provided through the Vashon Island School District. In addition to providing intensive case management support to individual students and families, the VYFS School-Based Social Worker, under the guidance of the VYFS Executive Director and Clinical Supervisor, will assist in developing infrastructure, improving referral processes, refining evaluation and reporting, and increasing coordination between participating providers to identify and support youth through behavioral health services.
The goal and purpose of the VYFS School-Based Social Worker position is to bridge the gap between school, home, community, medical and other providers to help youth clients improve overall well-being with a focus on achieving academic and social success through the biopsychosocial model. This is accomplished by providing: mental health support, family counseling, connections to resources, social-emotional learning, parent support, academic counseling, SUD support, crisis prevention and intervention, and case management. When appropriate, the School-Based Social Worker will also support and advocate for youth, working closely with the Vashon school systems and families.
Each employee of VYFS:
- Works with integrity, respect and compassion toward one another, our donors, volunteers, and the diverse communities with whom we interact.
- Understands the impact of institutional racism as a barrier to service, and strives to reduce barriers to service for those in need.
- Provides a warm and welcoming presence.
- Communicates and collaborates with coworkersand community partners.
- Gives, and should expect to receive, clear expectations and respectful communication.
- Works with an eye toward innovation and intellectual contribution.
- Performs their work to the highest ethical expectations of their profession.
- Brings excellence to all aspects of their work as well as a commitment to learning, growth, and continuous improvement.
Summary of responsibilities:
- Support students and families through individual and group therapy sessions, as well as intensive case management.
- Research, refer, and advocate for community resources, such as food stamps, childcare, and healthcare, to assist and improve a client’s well-being.
- Help qualified clients receive SSA and SSI benefits.
- Respond to crisis situations such as child abuse and mental health emergencies.
- Support and collaborate with IEP/504 process.
- Work collaboratively to provide family advocacy and support within the school system.
- Consult in person, via phone, or via telemedicine depending on the client’s needs and preferences.
- Create and support a trauma-informed, safe, trusting and healing counseling environment that respects the perspectives and experiences of the individuals, families, and communities we serve.
- Hold client confidentiality as a top priority with a thorough understanding of and adherence to all applicable rules of confidentiality, including HIPAA and subsequent local and national legislation protecting client privacy. Seek additional training and clarification when needed.
- Participate in bi-weekly team meetings/consult, supervision and monthly staff meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
Education, Experience, and Certification:
- Licensed in Social Work (LICSW) or on track to complete licensure within 12 months of hire date.
- 4 years or more experience in community social work including at least 2 years working with
youth and families.
- Valid Washington States driver’s license.
- Spanish bilingual strongly preferred.
Core Competencies:
- Delivers services with respect, tact and cultural sensitivity.
- Comfortable working with clients from different backgrounds including, but not limited to: those experiencing financial insecurity, disabled populations, different age groups, different cultural groups, immigrants, and the unhoused.
- Manages the stress of serving high-needs clients in a safe and dignified manner.
- Works cooperatively, supportively, and respectfully in a multidisciplinary team approach.
- Computer literacy with the ability to learn new technology and adapt to change.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Commute:
- Vashon, WA 98070 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Vashon, WA 98070: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
