Washington Bill to Increase DSHS Worker Standards

“The Department of Social and Health Services currently requires Child  Protective Services workers to only have a bachelor’s degree in social or human  services.

State Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, said her legislation would require  caseworkers to have a graduate-level degree, complete 3,200 professional hours  on the job before taking on an abuse case by themselves, and pay an annual fee  to maintain their license after passing an exam. They could also be held  personally liable in court.

“We have teachers who have licenses, hairdressers, even Christmas tree  farmers. Shouldn’t we try to find the highest level of employee when we’re  dealing with children?” asked Roach.

A social worker attending a committee hearing on the bill Tuesday in Olympia  said the legislation would place an unfair burden on employees like him.  [Oh boo hoo!]

“This legislation would require those who have spent thousands of dollars on  their education to spend more time and money to prove they are capable of doing  work they have already earned degrees in,” said Joe Pettit.

DSHS said the measure, Senate Bill 5163, would make it difficult to hire and  maintain their workforce. Others feel it’s necessary to protect our state’s  most  vulnerable.

“We have to be looking for people who have a higher standard, and the ‘licensure’ will take us in the right direction. There are horror stories, one  after the other, and I hope you will see this as a way to save and protect  children,” said Roach

State lawmaker wants CPS workers to be licensed, bonded

[Q13 Fox 1/28/13 by Dana Rebik]

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