CPS​/FRS Social Service Specialist In Training; SSS- Kelso

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!

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.

• Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assess the need for out-of-home placement and work with the family to find the most appropriate placement.
• Monitor the health and safety of children through regular visitation.
• Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
• Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.

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.

• Social Service Specialist 2:
  Range 57 ($64,776 – $87,048)
• Social Service Specialist 3:
  Range 59 ($67,992 - $91,464)

Social Service Specialist 2:

• Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
• 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 one (1) year of paid social service experience.
• 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.
• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.

Social Service Specialist 3:

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience
  * AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
• 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*.
• 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*.
• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• 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…