Intake Social Service Specialist ; SSS- Spokane Valley

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: Intake Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

Location: Spokane Valley, WA (Hybrid/Telework flexibility. This position is primarily telework; however, may be required to report to the Spokane Valley office at any time.)

Closes: 1/2/26

Salary: $5666 - $7622 Monthly

This recruitment has been reposted for additional applications. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply— your application status remains unchanged.

We're looking for a Non-Perm Intake Social Service Specialist to join our amazing Spokane Valley team through 6/30/2026. In this position, you will make a significant difference in the lives of each child under your care. Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in your community? Apply today!

As an Intake Social Service Specialist, you will assist cases in a variety of program areas, including Child Protective Services, Child and Family Services, Family Voluntary Services, and Family Reconciliation Services. This position takes child abuse/neglect and service request calls from the community and writes intakes that are distributed to field workers.

• Take and process calls and reports of child abuse and/or neglect (C/AN) cases and requests for other DCYF services.
• Interview, refer, and document information received, including asking clarifying questions, obtaining details, and assessing the information provided.
• Assess risk, safety, and protective factors and document/record in FAMLINK.
• Conduct a thorough data search, including but not limited to DAPS, ACES, DOH, SCOMIS, SEMS, RSO websites, reverse address/phone numbers, and verify the information is correct.
• Identify information of clients, family members, caregivers, and children to obtain additional pertinent information to assist in assessing risk and protective factors and determine screening decisions.
• Meet required timelines for completion of intake assessments.
• Make referrals to Law Enforcement where criminal acts may have been committed.

• 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 family-centered practice services.

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Knowledge of social casework principles and practices, risk assessment and decision-making, interviewing techniques, solution-based casework, principles of child development, applicable Federal and State laws, and community resources.
• Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect or developing safety or service plans with families.
• Familiarity with community resources and the local community.
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT). This training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well‑being, gathering information, and conducting case and permanency planning. During the training, you will have opportunities to practice these skills through classroom…