CPS​/FAR Social Service Specialist ; SSS- Vancouver​/Cascade Office

Job Details

Job Title: CPS/FAR Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

Location: Vancouver, WA (Cascade Office). This position will be eligible for hybrid telework after completing the probationary period.

Closes: 2/18/26

Salary: $5,666 - $7,622 Monthly. This position will receive 10% assignment pay in addition to the regular base salary.

Vision: 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.

• Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse and neglect.
• Assess the safety and risk of the family throughout the case and take appropriate action to protect children, implement and monitor services, and provide support to the family.
• Provide comprehensive and ongoing assessment of casework needs for children, parent(s)/guardian(s), 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.
• Develop, implement, and monitor safety plans.
• Monitor the health and safety of children through regular visitation.
• Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
• Prepare and present written and oral testimony for court proceedings.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• 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, and 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). The curriculum covers child welfare system, Revised Code of Washington (RCW), policies and best practices, risk assessment, collaboration with community partners, documentation, and court‑related skills.

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
• Cover Letter
• Current resume detailing experience and education.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in creating a diverse and equitable workplace. DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any sensory, mental, or physical disability.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered.

Washington State offers a competitive benefits package including health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training, and…