Social Service Specialist In Training; SSS- Lakewood

Overview

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community." The After hours Social Service Specialist 2‑3 In‑Training (SSS3) position is a full‑time, permanent role located in Lakewood, WA (Region
5). The position includes field and office work, travel to Pierce and Kitsap Counties, and transportation of children as part of the duties.

Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:30 pm
Monday and Tuesday: 5:00 pm – 3:30 am
(OFF: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday)

$5,398 – $7,622 per month.
Up to 10% assignment pay may be earned upon reaching the Social Service Specialist 3 class.

02/22/2026

In this role you will be assigned CPS initial intakes and assess for present danger in Region 5. As an After‑Hours Social Service Specialist you will respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect when DCYF offices are closed. The team works during evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays.

• Respond to crisis situations of DCYF children placed in foster or relative care.
• Handle after‑hours emergent calls concerning maltreatment of children.
• Assume responsibility for placement of children in emergent situations.
• Assess risk and safety of children 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 and take appropriate action to protect children and support families.
• Make face‑to‑face contact on 24‑hour and 72‑hour intakes.
• Meet required time frames and complete documentation in the FAMLINK database.
• Work collaboratively with other social workers within other units and offices.
• Attend and testify in court.
• Attend staff meetings and mandatory trainings.

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 a Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a related field PLUS a completed practicum.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a related field PLUS one (1) year of paid social service experience.
• OR one (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• AND the ability to take action to learn and grow.
• AND the ability to take action 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 a Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a related field PLUS one (1) year of paid social service experience in public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a related field PLUS two (2) years of paid social service experience in public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• OR one (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• AND the ability to take action to learn and grow.
• AND the ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

* For the SSS3 level:
Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family‑centered practice services.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work with a completed practicum.
• Prior case management experience in child welfare with mandatory clients.
• Experience assessing risk and safety regarding child abuse and neglect concerns or developing safety and service plans with families.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge and familiarity with local community services and resources.
• Prior experience displaying critical thinking skills and the use of shared decision‑making.
• Prior experience using Fam Link case…