Social Services Associate, On-Call

Salary: $22.77 Hourly
Location : Anchorage, AK
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 46777
Department: Family & Community Services
Division: Office of Children's Services
Opening Date: 08/08/2024
Closing Date: 10/21/2024 5:00 PM Alaska
Position Open To: Alaska Residents Only
Bargaining Unit: General Government
Range: 12
Job Description
* THE RECRUITMENT PERIOD FOR THIS RECRUITMENT HAS BEEN EXTENDED *
This position is open to Alaska Residents only. Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
The Office of Children's Services (OCS)
is recruiting for an On-Call, Non-Permanent Social Services Associate
located in Anchorage, Alaska.
What You Will Be Doing:
This is an On-Call, Non-Permanent Social Services Associate (SSA) position with the Office of Children Services (OCS). As a Social Services Associate, you will work closely with case workers by supporting them in their efforts to provide services and support to families and children. Services are intended to enhance families' capacities to give their children a healthy start, provide them with safe and permanent homes, maintain cultural connections, and to help them realize their potential.
You will be responsible for a variety of duties, including assisting with searching for relatives, providing placement support to resource families, helping connect parents with services, conducting referrals, collecting collateral information, documenting case information in the electronic and hard case files, coordinating and overseeing family visits, and other duties that support the case workers as deemed necessary.
You may be assigned to the Foster Care Licensing Unit providing support to unlicensed relative(s) through the Emergency Relief Support (ERS) program. This position will also assist in fingerprinting resource families and provide general support as assigned.
Our Organization, Mission, and Culture:
The strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce where safety and wellbeing are paramount and employees at all levels promote a culture where everyone is valued, treated equitably, and treated respectfully.
The Mission of the Office of Children's Services is: Ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children by strengthening families, engaging communities, and partnering with Tribes.
Everything we do is underpinned by our
Benefits of Joining Our Team:
If you are interested in a career with OCS but would like to learn more about the agency's role and services before applying for a full-time position, an On-Call position may be the right fit for you.
As an On-Call worker, you will have more flexibility in your work schedule and opportunities to support a variety of different employees and families. This position is an opportune position if you are looking to supplement another part-time job, are going to school and cannot work full time, or generally need a more flexible employment option to meet your needs.
The Working Environment You Can Expect:
The Office of Children's Services Anchorage Regional Office is located in Midtown Anchorage. The working environment will consist of a typical office setting as well as regular field work throughout the community.
This position is critical to the office's ability to successfully meet the department's mission. Therefore, a successful incumbent would be highly self-motivated, have excellent, clear verbal and written communication skills, possess sound common sense, and the ability to learn very quickly.
For information on any of the communities listed above (including schools, hospitals, housing), please review the
Who We Are Looking For :
Below are the knowledge, skills, and experience that demonstrate the skills we are seeking:

• Interpersonal Skills : Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
• Customer/Quality Focus : Anticipates, monitors, and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an effective, appropriate manner. Demonstrates commitment to identifying customers' apparent and underlying needs and continually seeks to provide the highest quality service and product to all customers.
• 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.

Special Note:

• This position requires a valid Alaska driver's license.
• Additionally, while the Division does have vehicles assigned to it, they may not always be available for staff use. Mileage reimbursement is available when a personal vehicle is used for work-related matters. Current automotive insurance must be in place prior to use of a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the State.
• A child protective history check will be performed per AS 12.62.160 and/or 13 AAC 68.315 including a background and fingerprint check.
• The successful candidate may be required to attend multiple training courses normally located in Anchorage.

A cover letter is NOT required for this position. Your complete application, including supplemental questions, will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.
To view the general description and example of duties for a Social Services Associate, please visit following link:
Minimum Qualifications
One year of any combination of postsecondary or vocational education and/or experience in assisting clients, customers, the general public, or other staff in the explanation and application of guidelines, policies, or services.
Special Note: Some positions require a valid Alaska driver's license, a background check, and fingerprinting. These requirements will be indicated at the time of recruitment.
Additional Required Information
NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
At time of interview, applicant is requested to submit:

• Submit your college transcripts with your application if you will be using education to meet the minimum qualifications and/or competencies desired for the position. (Unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts) Please provide them at the time of interview if they are not included with your application.
• A list of three (3) professional* references including their current telephone number(s) and email address; at least one (1) of these must be from a current or former supervisor.
  • Professional is defined as a supervisor or an individual who has direct knowledge of your work performance.

Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be specific in your answers and tell us how you acquired the relevant experience. Please use complete sentences and proof-read your submissions when answering the supplemental questions. Your responses will be considered a writing sample and will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment process.
NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting. The State of Alaska does not provide VISA Employer sponsorships.
EDUCATION
To verify education being used to meet the required minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials being used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position and are required with each application. (Unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application, provided at the time of interview or if not provided, transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Omission of required documentation listed will result in an incomplete application and you will not receive further consideration.
WORK EXPERIENCE
When using work experience not already documented in your application, please provide the employer name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported and minimum qualifications are clearly met. Work experience needed to meet the minimum qualifications must be documented in the application. If the application does not support minimum qualifications, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment. A resume will not be used to determine that minimum qualifications have been met for the position in which you are applying. If you are currently or previously been appointed to a flexibly staffed position, please ensure your work experience within a flexibly staffed position indicates the actual dates employed at each level. Ensure your time and any subsequent flex promotion(s) are documented as a separate position. This is required as there are minimum qualifications that require experience at a particular level in which the lower level may not be considered. If this information is not accurately reflected in your application this may cause the processing of your application for consideration to be delayed.
LEGAL EMPLOYMENT
The State's online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role of an employer sponsor.
NOTE: The State of Alaska does not provide VISA Employer sponsorships.
RECRUITMENT SCOPE
This position is open to Alaska Residents only. Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
MULTIPLE VACANCIES
This recruitment may be used for more than one (1) vacancy. The applicant pool acquired during this recruitment may be used for future vacancies for up to ninety (90) days after this recruitment closes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply to each recruitment notice to ensure consideration for all vacancies.
CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT
This posting is for an open continuous recruitment for multiple vacancies that currently exist or are anticipated to exist.
APPLICATION NOTICE
You can ONLY apply for this position through the Workplace Alaska website or via hardcopy application. If you accessed this recruitment bulletin through a job search portal such as Alaska Jobs or any other database, you MUST use a Workplace Alaska online or hardcopy application to successfully apply. Instructions on how to apply with Workplace Alaska may be found on the Workplace Alaska "How to Apply" webpage, found here:
NOTICE
Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465- 4095. If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities A658(ADA).Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P. O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
Contact Information
WORKPLACE ALASKA APPLICATION QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
Questions regarding application submission or system operation errors should be directed to the Workplace Alaska hotline at 1-800-587-0430 (toll free) or (907) 465-4095 if you are located in the Juneau area. Requests for information may also be emailed to
For applicant password assistance, please visit:
For specific information in reference to the position, please contact the hiring manager at:
Name: Lauryn Spells, Talent Acquisition Supervisor
Phone: 907-269-0720
Email:
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
  • The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See for additional information.
    • AVTEC
    • Confidential
    • Correctional Officers
    • Marine Engineers
    • Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers
    • Supervisory
    • Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman's Union
    • Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)

The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.

• General Government
• Labor, Trades and Crafts
• Public Safety Employees Association
• Masters, Mates & Pilots

Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Group-based insurance premiums for
  • Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Supplemental Survivor Benefits

Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

See for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served
• Twelve (12) paid holidays a year

01
Please describe your approach and what skills you utilize when working with challenging and/or upset clients. Provide a detailed example of how you navigated an escalated situation and what the outcome was.
02
Please describe your experience and skills in providing services and/or assistance to families of different cultures or background.
03
Please describe your experience and ability to work in a fast-paced environment while multi-tasking and utilizing critical thinking skills.
04
Please describe a professional situation where you realized that you made an important mistake. What was the situation and what led to the mistake? How did you feel? What did you do in response to discovering the mistake?
05
Please describe your approach to serving customers or clients. Then provide a specific example of a situation where you applied this with a customer or client in need of help. What was your job? Who was the customer and what was their need? What did you do to understand and address their needs? What was the outcome?
06
I acknowledge I understand that I am applying to the office in Anchorage only and that if I want to apply to other locations, I will have to submit applications to other job postings.

• Yes, I acknowledge and I understand this requirement.

07
Do you acknowledge and understand the requirement that education and/or experience being used to meet the minimum qualifications for this position must be adequately documented in this application in order to be considered for this position?

• Yes, I acknowledge and understand this requirement.

Required Question