On-Call Social Service Specialist In Training; SSS- Region​/Kent

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.

ON‑CALL After‑Hours Social Service Specialist 2–3 In‑Training (SSS3). On‑call position providing advanced‑level specialized case management during evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays.

Kent, WA – Region 4. The After‑Hours Unit operates throughout DCYF Region 4 in King County and requires time in the field and in the office.

Hourly, $31.02 – $43.80. A 5% King County premium and a 10% assignment pay may be awarded for meeting the Social Service Specialist 3 goal class. A 2% general wage increase effective July 1, 2026 applies. Detailed benefits information is available under the benefits section.

Work nights, weekends, overnights, and holidays to respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect when DCYF offices are closed. Roles may include field visits, documentation in FAMLINK, protective actions, court testimony, and collaboration with other units.

• Respond to emergent and after‑hours requests.
• Meet required time frames and complete documentation in FAMLINK.
• Gather and document sufficient information to assess present danger and take protective action if needed.
• Conduct 24‑hour emergent face‑to‑face contacts, 72‑hour non‑emergent face‑to‑face contacts, and monthly Health and Safety visits.
• Observe and document the physical condition, living environment, and behaviors of children.
• Follow Agency Policy for Photograph Documentation when photographing a child’s condition or environment.
• Respond to Protective Custody inquiries and partner with law enforcement when needed.
• Investigate allegations, assess complex family situations, and develop plans to protect children either in their homes or out‑of‑home care through court intervention.
• Supervise youth after hours when placement efforts are ongoing or a safe, appropriate placement is unavailable.
• Work collaboratively with other social workers in other units and offices.
• Utilize the Child Health and Education Tracking (CHET) Screens.
• Maintain case records, required forms, and reports.
• Transport children/youth to placements, school, respite, etc.
• Attend and testify in court; respond to subpoenas.

Social Service Specialist 2:

• Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• OR a Master’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences (or a Master’s that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline) AND a completed practicum.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences (or a Bachelor’s that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline) AND one (1) year of paid social service experience.
• OR one (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1).

Social Service Specialist 3:

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND completion of 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• OR a Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences (or a Master’s that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline) AND one (1) year of paid social service experience.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences (or a Bachelor’s that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline) AND two (2) years of paid social service experience.
• OR one year as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2).

Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family‑centered practice services.

• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child…