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

Our Vision

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

After-hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training (SSS3)

Kent, WA – Region 4

Thursday: 4:30 pm – 2:30 am
Friday: 4:30 pm – 12:30 am
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm

$64,776 – $91,464 annually. Additional King County Premium of 5% and 10% assignment pay for reaching Social Service Specialist 3; 2% general wage increase effective July 1 2026.

As an After-hours Social Service Specialist, you will respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect during non-business hours. You will handle initial CPS intakes, assess present danger, conduct investigations in unregulated environments, provide case management, and coordinate safe placement for children in foster or relative care.

• Placement of child(ren) in foster or relative care in emergent situations.
• Respond to after-hours emergent calls concerning maltreatment of children.
• Assess risk and safety of child(ren) and coordinate safe placement when appropriate.
• Interview children, families, and collaterals such as law enforcement, probation/parole counselors, school, medical, and mental health professionals.
• Investigate and evaluate reports of child abuse and/or neglect in compliance with RCW, WAC, and DCYF policy.
• Provide ongoing risk assessment of the family and take appropriate action to protect children, correct parental deficits through services, and provide support to the family.
• Make face‑to‑face contact on 24‑hour and 72‑hour intakes.
• Respond to crisis situations of DCYF children who are placed in foster or relative care.
• Meet required time frames and complete documentation in FAMLINK.
• Work collaboratively with other social workers.
• Attend staff meetings and mandatory training.

Social Service Specialist 2

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

Social Service Specialist 3

• Six (6) years of 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, behavioral sciences or Master’s degree with 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in Social Services discipline and one (1) year of paid social service experience in public child welfare.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or Bachelor’s degree with 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in Social Services discipline and two (2) years of paid social service experience in public child welfare.
• OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to meet the needs of others.
• For SSS3 level: paid experience must include at least one year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family‑centered practice services.

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work with a completed practicum.
• Prior case management experience with mandatory clients.
• Experience working with clients who have mental health problems, substance use disorder, developmental delays, or criminal behaviors.
• Experience assessing risk and safety and developing safety and service plans.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of child development and/or family systems.
• Knowledge of local community services and resources.
• Prior experience with critical thinking…