Social Service Specialist In-Training; SSS- Region​/NW Washington

Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) and Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

Locations
:
Region 3 – Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, and Snohomish Counties. Offices:
Bellingham, Mt. Vernon, Oak Harbor, Arlington (Smokey Point), Everett, Lynnwood, and Monroe (Sky Valley). Travel within assigned areas and to client visitations and training is required.

Full‑time, Permanent.

• SSS2: $5,398 – $7,254
• SSS3: $5,666 – $7,622

Upon reaching SSS3, an assignment pay of 10% is added to the base salary.

• Assess complex family situations, interview children and parents, and evaluate child safety.
• Develop and implement case plans to protect children and support families to remain together when safe.
• Follow child welfare laws, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct ongoing risk and safety assessments, author services, and coordinate community supports.
• Implement culturally appropriate, ADA‑sensitive, goal‑directed service plans.
• Coordinate and monitor delivery of services with attorneys, medical providers, law enforcement, and other professionals.
• Conduct health and safety visits and provide timely permanent plans.
• Engage parents in early referrals for court‑ordered services and legal prevention of removal.
• Prepare legal documents for court, place, and service delivery.
• Assist in child placement, visitation, and transportation to appointments.
• Document case notes and activity in the State computer database, FAMLINK.
• Write court reports and testify at court proceedings.

• Five (5) years paid social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• OR Master’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences plus 30 semester or 45 quarter credits and a completed practicum.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences plus 30 semester or 45 quarter credits and one (1) year paid experience.
• OR one (1) year as a Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1).
• AND the ability to take action to learn and grow.
• AND the ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

• Six (6) years paid social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• OR Master’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences plus 30 semester or 45 quarter credits and one (1) year paid experience.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences plus 30 semester or 45 quarter credits and two (2) years paid experience.
• OR one (1) year as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2).
• AND the ability to take action to learn and grow.
• AND the ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Must include at least one (1) year of experience assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family‑centered services.

• Knowledge of child protective and child welfare laws, rules, and policies.
• Knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and/or experience with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Ability to collaborate with families, community partners, and professionals around sensitive topics.
• Experience assessing child abuse/neglect risk and developing safety or service plans.
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

All Social Service Specialists must complete a mandatory 9.5‑week Worker Core Training. Training covers systemic understanding, RCW relevance, best practices, safety assessment, community collaboration, documentation, dependency petitions, and court testimony.

Minimum two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license are required.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran status, disability, or use of a trained service animal.

Benefits eligibility may vary. Candidates should consult the Public Employee Benefits Board for detailed information.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may apply online. Application instructions and required documents are available on the DCYF portal.