State of Washington
Social Service Specialist 1-3 In-Training (SSS3) - Region 5/Pierce & Kitsap Coun
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Overview
Social Service Specialist 1-3 In-Training (SSS3) – Region 5/Pierce & Kitsap County. This DCYF recruitment supports multiple vacancies in Region 5 across CPS/Investigations, CPS/FAR, and CFWS units. Offices are located in Puyallup, Tacoma, Parkland, Lakewood, and Bremerton. The goal class is Social Service Specialist 3, with in-training options to reach that level.
Responsibilities
Determine if children are safe with their families through respectful investigation and/or assessments.
Intervene to protect unsafe children and develop a case plan with the family to remedy the situation so families can safely parent their children.
Follow child welfare laws, policies, and procedures.
Conduct ongoing comprehensive assessments of safety and risk, develop case plans, and authorize services for children, youth, birth parents, and caregivers.
Implement culturally appropriate, ADA-sensitive, and individualized service plans with families that are goal-directed, behavioral-specific, and time-limited.
Refer, coordinate, and monitor the delivery of services.
Utilize shared planning meetings to plan, develop, and coordinate with parents, relatives, attorneys, and other relevant professionals.
Conduct health and safety visits to ensure the child’s health, safety, and well-being needs are met.
Develop and implement timely permanent plans that are responsive to the child’s permanency needs.
Provide reasonable and active efforts to parents to prevent removal and ensure early and prompt referrals for court-ordered services.
Identify primary and concurrent permanent plans within legal and mandated time frames.
Consult with the agency attorney, and prepare required legal documents for court, placement, and service delivery.
Assist in placing children in approved placements and prepare the child for visitation with parents and siblings.
Transport children to placement, appointments, or family time/sibling visits.
Schedule and supervise/monitor visitations.
Document case notes/case activity in the State computer database, FAMLINK.
Attend court and provide expert court testimony.
Required Qualifications The goal class is Social Service Specialist 3; however, candidates at the 1- or 2-level may be considered with an in-training plan to reach 3.
Option 1
– Experience plus required credits or degree: SSS1 requires four (4) years of paid work experience in caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with the required credits; SSS2 requires five (5) years of paid social service experience and 30/45 credits OR a related Bachelor's; SSS3 requires six (6) years of paid social service experience and 30/45 credits OR a Master’s with practicum or a Bachelor’s with two years’ experience; and a minimum one year of paid social service experience for SSS3. All options require commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles. For SSS3, paid experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Option 2
– Experience or degree without the required credits: Four years of paid social service experience without 30/45 credits or a degree lacking these credits, with a plan to obtain them within 18 months of hire; or a degree in an unrelated field with plan to obtain credits within 18 months. Employment starts at SSS1 with advancement to higher levels upon completion of coursework within 18 months. Degrees must be in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences or include the required credits as recognized by CHEA/NACES; foreign equivalency must be documented if applicable.
How to Apply Complete your applicant profile with your full work history and highest education details and complete the supplemental questions as accurately as possible. Attach a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable for submission; official transcripts required at hire).
College Transcripts
Cover Letter
Current Resume
Other Information 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 or military status, disability, or the presence of a service animal. A criminal background check will be conducted. A valid unrestricted driver’s license is required. Degrees must be from an accredited college or university; foreign equivalency must be verified if applicable. This position is included in the WFSE bargaining unit.
Benefits Benefits eligibility may vary by appointment type. Washington State offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, paid leave, and other compensation options; details are available through PEBB and the Washington State HR website.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies in Region 5. Updated 07-21-2025.
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Responsibilities
Determine if children are safe with their families through respectful investigation and/or assessments.
Intervene to protect unsafe children and develop a case plan with the family to remedy the situation so families can safely parent their children.
Follow child welfare laws, policies, and procedures.
Conduct ongoing comprehensive assessments of safety and risk, develop case plans, and authorize services for children, youth, birth parents, and caregivers.
Implement culturally appropriate, ADA-sensitive, and individualized service plans with families that are goal-directed, behavioral-specific, and time-limited.
Refer, coordinate, and monitor the delivery of services.
Utilize shared planning meetings to plan, develop, and coordinate with parents, relatives, attorneys, and other relevant professionals.
Conduct health and safety visits to ensure the child’s health, safety, and well-being needs are met.
Develop and implement timely permanent plans that are responsive to the child’s permanency needs.
Provide reasonable and active efforts to parents to prevent removal and ensure early and prompt referrals for court-ordered services.
Identify primary and concurrent permanent plans within legal and mandated time frames.
Consult with the agency attorney, and prepare required legal documents for court, placement, and service delivery.
Assist in placing children in approved placements and prepare the child for visitation with parents and siblings.
Transport children to placement, appointments, or family time/sibling visits.
Schedule and supervise/monitor visitations.
Document case notes/case activity in the State computer database, FAMLINK.
Attend court and provide expert court testimony.
Required Qualifications The goal class is Social Service Specialist 3; however, candidates at the 1- or 2-level may be considered with an in-training plan to reach 3.
Option 1
– Experience plus required credits or degree: SSS1 requires four (4) years of paid work experience in caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with the required credits; SSS2 requires five (5) years of paid social service experience and 30/45 credits OR a related Bachelor's; SSS3 requires six (6) years of paid social service experience and 30/45 credits OR a Master’s with practicum or a Bachelor’s with two years’ experience; and a minimum one year of paid social service experience for SSS3. All options require commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles. For SSS3, paid experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Option 2
– Experience or degree without the required credits: Four years of paid social service experience without 30/45 credits or a degree lacking these credits, with a plan to obtain them within 18 months of hire; or a degree in an unrelated field with plan to obtain credits within 18 months. Employment starts at SSS1 with advancement to higher levels upon completion of coursework within 18 months. Degrees must be in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences or include the required credits as recognized by CHEA/NACES; foreign equivalency must be documented if applicable.
How to Apply Complete your applicant profile with your full work history and highest education details and complete the supplemental questions as accurately as possible. Attach a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable for submission; official transcripts required at hire).
College Transcripts
Cover Letter
Current Resume
Other Information 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 or military status, disability, or the presence of a service animal. A criminal background check will be conducted. A valid unrestricted driver’s license is required. Degrees must be from an accredited college or university; foreign equivalency must be verified if applicable. This position is included in the WFSE bargaining unit.
Benefits Benefits eligibility may vary by appointment type. Washington State offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, paid leave, and other compensation options; details are available through PEBB and the Washington State HR website.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies in Region 5. Updated 07-21-2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr