CPS Social Service Specialist In Training; SSS- Walla Walla

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.

Job Title: CPS Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3)

Location: Walla Walla, WA (This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule.)

Closes: 1/2/26

Salary: $5,398- $7,622 Monthly. 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.

We're looking for a Non-Permanent Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialist (SSS3) to join our Walla Walla team. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality services to the children and families we serve. If you are passionate about working with families and providing them support, apply today!

To learn more about DCYF.

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 goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.

• Social Service Specialist 2:
  Range 57 ($5398 – $7254)
• Social Service Specialist 3:
  Range 59 ($5666 - $7622)

• Social Service Specialist 2:
  • Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
  • OR Bachelor’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.
  • OR 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.
  • OR 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.
  • OR 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.
  • OR 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.
  • 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.

Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and…