ABOUT CHILDREN'S

About Post Academy Training

Post academy mandatory training is designed to build upon the competencies attained during the Social Worker Academy by providing social workers with additional training needed to be successful in their positions.

In addition, 5 specialized tracks are offered two to three times annually for staff hired into specialty jobs (Intake, DLR/CPS investigations, Family Reconciliation Services, Adoptions and DLR Licensing). The curriculum for each track focuses on preparing staff for employment within Children's Administration in their respective specialty units.

Mandatory Training Policy

The Department of Social and Health Services is mandated by RCW 74.14B.010 to provide comprehensive training for all social workers employed in children services (Children's Administration).

Children's Administration Mandatory Social Worker Training Policy requires social workers to attend mandatory training within their first 2 years of hire. Social workers hired after January 2005 are required to complete 8 ½ days of mandatory specialized training within 2 years of hire. All social workers, regardless of their hire date, are required to attend 20 hours of ongoing professional development training annually. These post academy training opportunities are made available through both outside contracted vendors and in-house agency resources.

Required Training for Social Workers

• Post Academy Training - 5 specialized tracks are offered for staff hired into specialty jobs:
  • Adoption Specialized Track - 5 days of training
  • Division of Licensing Specialized Track - 5 days of training
  • Division of Licensing/Child Protective Services Specialized Track - 5 days of training
  • FRS Specialized Track - 4 days of training
  • Intake Specialized Track - 4 days of training
• Mandatory Training
  • Enhancing Relationships Through Teaming
  • Permanency Planning From Day One
  • Solution-Based Indian Child Welfare Training
  • Substance Abuse Training: Partnering Across Systems
  • Understanding Neglect
  • Worker Safety
• Mandatory CPS Social Worker Training
  • Harborview: Child Abuse Investigation and Interviewing - 4 days of training