CPS Investigator Social Service Specialist In Training; SSS- Vancouver-Clark

Job Title

CPS Investigator Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3)

Vancouver, WA (Vancouver‑Clark office)

7/22/26

$66,072–$93,288 Annually. 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; 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.

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.

• Social Service Specialist 2:
  Range 57 ($66,072–$88,788)
• Social Service Specialist 3:
  Range 59 ($69,348–$93,288)

What we are looking for at each level:

• 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.

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

• Public child welfare experience.
• Case management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and/or experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Demonstrated 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.

As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5‑week Worker Core Training (WCT). The training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well‑being, gathering…