CFWS Social Service Specialist In Training; SSS- Shelton

Join to apply for the CFWS Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) – Shelton role at State of Washington
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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: CFWS Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3)
• Location: Shelton, WA (Hybrid/Flexible – telework 1 day a week when appropriate and approved. The rest of the work week will be in person.)
• Closes: 1/9/26
• 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.
• Assignment Pay: Includes base salary and may involve visits in unregulated environments to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect to assess child safety.

• Conduct investigations, assessments, and evaluations of 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 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 56 ($5,398 – $7,254)
• Social Service Specialist 3: Range 58 ($5,666 – $7,622)

• Minimum of 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 related discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience.
• OR Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or related discipline AND completed practicum.
• OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• For Social Service Specialist 3:
  Six (6) years of paid experience OR Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of experience OR Master’s degree plus one (1) year of experience OR one (1) year experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• Additionally must have completed at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family‑centered practice services.

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

All Social Service Specialists must successfully complete a 9.5‑week Worker Core Training (WCT), which includes four weeks of on‑site training in Seattle. The curriculum covers the child welfare system, RCW, policies, assessment, documentation, court reporting, and more. DCYF covers travel costs for eligible employees.

• Complete your applicant profile.
• Attach the following documents: unofficial transcripts, cover letter, and current resume.

DCYF is committed to building a diverse and equitable workplace. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (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, veteran status, or disability.

Background checks will be conducted. This may not preclude employment but will be considered in determining suitability.

Applicant may claim Veteran’s Preference by providing DD‑214 or other service document. Social Security number must be blacked out before attaching documents.

Washington State offers a competitive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, life, disability, and retirement plans. Employees may enroll in medical flexible spending accounts, participate in the Deferred Compensation Program, and access the Washington State Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits include the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, military leave, and bereavement leave. Detailed benefit information can be viewed on the Public Employees Benefits Board website.