CFWS​/FVS Social Service Specialist In Training; SSS- Spokane North

Job Title

CFWS/FVS Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3)

Spokane, WA (Spokane North office). Hybrid telework 1-2 days per week after probation.

$64,776 - $91,464 annually. May receive additional assignment pay upon reaching Social Service Specialist
3. Base salary does not include the 2% general wage increase effective July 1, 2026.

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.

• Social Service Specialist 2: $64,776 – $87,048
• Social Service Specialist 3: $67,992 – $91,464

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

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree with 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND two (2) years of paid social service experience.
• OR a Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree with 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.

• Public child welfare experience.
• Case management experience.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, or experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with families, community partners, and professionals around difficult or sensitive topics.
• Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect or developing safety or service plans with families.
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

All Social Service Specialists must complete a mandatory 9.5‑week Worker Core Training. The curriculum covers the child welfare system, relevant Washington statutes, best practices, risk assessment, case documentation, court reporting, and professional development. Training includes classroom activities, simulation exercises, and debriefs. Participants attend sessions at Seattle training site and may receive travel coverage as applicable.

Department of Children,…