Our vision is to ensure that “All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".
Job Title: CPS/FRS Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3)
Location: Kelso, WA
Closes: 07/01/2026
Salary: $64,776 - $91,464 Annually. This position may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. This is in addition to the regular base salary; the required duties include performing visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect to assess the safety of vulnerable children. Please Note: The salary listed does not include the 2% general wage increase effective July 1, 2026.
We're looking for proactive Child Protective Services (CPS) and Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) Social Service Specialist 2-3 (SSS3) to join our amazing Kelso team. Our office excels at teamwork, including cross-program communication, collaboration, and assistance. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality services to the children and families we serve. If you are passionate about caring for children and supporting them, apply today!
Click here to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:
In this role, you will assess complex family situations, interview children and parents, evaluate child safety, develop plans to protect children in their homes, and offer services to children and families.
Some of what you'll do:
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Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse.
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Provide ongoing safety and risk assessment of the family throughout the life of the case and take appropriate action to protect children, correct parental deficits through services, and provide support to the family.
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Provide comprehensive and ongoing assessment of casework needs for child, parent(s)/guardian, and foster parent(s) with a focus and priority on child safety.
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Assess the need for out-of-home placement and work with the family to find the most appropriate placement.
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Monitor the health and safety of children through regular visitation.
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Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
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Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.
Salary Ranges:
The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the SSS3 goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate candidate's education and work experience for one of the levels mentioned below.
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Social Service Specialist 2: Range 57 ($64,776 – $87,048)
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Social Service Specialist 3: Range 59 ($67,992 - $91,464)
What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
Social Service Specialist 2:
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Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
OR
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Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience.
OR
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A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Master’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND completed practicum.
OR
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One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
Social Service Specialist 3:
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Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
OR
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Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience*.
OR
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Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience*.
OR
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One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2
AND-
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
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The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
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Public child welfare experience.
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Case management experience.
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Demonstrated knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
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Demonstrated knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and/or experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
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Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with families, community partners, and professionals around difficult or sensitive topics.
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Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect or developing safety or service plans with families.
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Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.
Worker Core Training (WCT):
As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT). This training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well-being, gathering information, and conducting case and permanency planning. During the training, you will have opportunities to practice these skills through classroom activities, simulation exercises, and debriefs. Upon hire, you will be assigned to the nearest available training cohort. The training includes four (4) weeks at our Seattle training site (scheduled for Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8). For those eligible for travel from their assigned duty location, DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs.
The WCT curriculum is designed to prepare Social Service Specialists for the responsibilities of the role, including:
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Understanding the child welfare system
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Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare
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Policies, procedures, and best practices
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Assessing child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts
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Collecting records and collaborating with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services
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Completing assessments and documenting case notes
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Writing dependency petitions and court reports
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Preparing for and testifying in court
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
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Transcripts - If applicable. (Unofficial college transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
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Cover Letter
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Current Resume
Supplemental Information:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.
Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact)the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.
2026-05218
