State of Washington
Social Service Specialist In-Training 1-3 (SSS3) - Moses Lake
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Social Service Specialist In-Training 1-3 (SSS3) - Moses Lake
Join to apply for the
Social Service Specialist In-Training 1-3 (SSS3) - Moses Lake
role at
State of Washington
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:
Social Service Specialist 1-3 In-Training (SSS3)
Location:
Moses Lake, WA
Closes:
10/28/25
Salary:
$4771 - $7622 Monthly. This position may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3.
In this position, you will make a significant difference in the lives of each child under your care. Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in your community? Apply today!
Opportunity
In this Social Service Specialist role, you will assist cases in a variety of program areas, primarily Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), and Family Reconciliation Services (FRS); however, it may also include Child Protective Services (CPS) and Family Assessment Response (FAR) based on business needs.
Some Of What You’ll Do
Provide comprehensive assessments of casework needs for children and families.
Assess the need for out-of-home placement, and work with the family to find the strongest placement.
Provide psychosocial summaries, home studies, and other appropriate correspondence to outside agencies.
Provide case management services to facilitate out-of-home placements and review the need for continued out-of-home care.
Supervise and place as necessary, dependent children (abused, neglected, and abandoned) in foster or other approved placements.
Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.
Prepare and present written and oral testimony for court proceedings.
Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
What We Are Looking For (Required Qualifications) The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3; however, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 1 and 2 levels, with two different options to meet the qualifications through an In-Training plan.
In-Training Plan Option #1 Experience with Required Credits OR Degree with the Required Credits
Applicants applying under this training option must have at least four (4) years of on-the-job social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Social Service, Human Service, or Behavioral Science, or any completed Bachelor’s degree field that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
Social Service Specialist 1:
Four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: 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 social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline; no experience necessary.
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.
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 a 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.
In-Training Plan Option #2 Experience or Degree without the Required Credits
This option is for applicants who have four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and do not have 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire OR applicants who have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an unrelated field and do not have the required 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire.
This option is great for candidates who have some or most of the required credits and only need to complete a few classes to meet this requirement. Applicants who apply under this hiring option will begin employment at the
Social Service Specialist 1
level and must complete the educational course requirements within 18 months of hire to advance to the next in‑training step.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
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, or developing safety or service plans with families.
Familiarity with community resources and the local community.
Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.
Salary Ranges
Social Service Specialist 1: Range 51 ($4771 - $6414)
Social Service Specialist 2: Range 56 ($5398 – $7254)
Social Service Specialist 3: Range 58 ($5666 - $7622)
How do I apply?
Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
Cover Letter
Current resume detailing experience and education.
Supplemental Information 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 our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
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 or military status, disability, or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a 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 in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.
Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equality verification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. Please black out the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get; they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Below is a summary of typical benefits available for full-time employees.
Insurance Benefits: Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‐term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
Employees also have access to the Washington State Employee Assistance Program, a program that promotes the health and well‑being of employees.
Retirement: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer‑contributed retirement programs. The Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you to control how much pre‑tax salary dollars you defer.
Social Security and Medicare: All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays: Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Employees who are members of certain unions may be entitled to additional personal leave days.
Sick Leave: Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees earn a monthly proportionate accrual; non‑exempt employees earn none.
Vacation (Annual Leave): Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in applicable law or agreement. Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave on a pro‑rated basis.
Military Leave: Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave: Employees receive five days paid bereavement leave for the death or loss of a family member.
Leave Sharing, Parental Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave Without Pay: Employees may access these. For more details, visit the State HR Website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Social Service Specialist In-Training 1-3 (SSS3) - Moses Lake
role at
State of Washington
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:
Social Service Specialist 1-3 In-Training (SSS3)
Location:
Moses Lake, WA
Closes:
10/28/25
Salary:
$4771 - $7622 Monthly. This position may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3.
In this position, you will make a significant difference in the lives of each child under your care. Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in your community? Apply today!
Opportunity
In this Social Service Specialist role, you will assist cases in a variety of program areas, primarily Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), and Family Reconciliation Services (FRS); however, it may also include Child Protective Services (CPS) and Family Assessment Response (FAR) based on business needs.
Some Of What You’ll Do
Provide comprehensive assessments of casework needs for children and families.
Assess the need for out-of-home placement, and work with the family to find the strongest placement.
Provide psychosocial summaries, home studies, and other appropriate correspondence to outside agencies.
Provide case management services to facilitate out-of-home placements and review the need for continued out-of-home care.
Supervise and place as necessary, dependent children (abused, neglected, and abandoned) in foster or other approved placements.
Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.
Prepare and present written and oral testimony for court proceedings.
Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
What We Are Looking For (Required Qualifications) The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3; however, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 1 and 2 levels, with two different options to meet the qualifications through an In-Training plan.
In-Training Plan Option #1 Experience with Required Credits OR Degree with the Required Credits
Applicants applying under this training option must have at least four (4) years of on-the-job social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Social Service, Human Service, or Behavioral Science, or any completed Bachelor’s degree field that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
Social Service Specialist 1:
Four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: 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 social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline; no experience necessary.
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.
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 a 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.
In-Training Plan Option #2 Experience or Degree without the Required Credits
This option is for applicants who have four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and do not have 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire OR applicants who have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an unrelated field and do not have the required 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire.
This option is great for candidates who have some or most of the required credits and only need to complete a few classes to meet this requirement. Applicants who apply under this hiring option will begin employment at the
Social Service Specialist 1
level and must complete the educational course requirements within 18 months of hire to advance to the next in‑training step.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
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, or developing safety or service plans with families.
Familiarity with community resources and the local community.
Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.
Salary Ranges
Social Service Specialist 1: Range 51 ($4771 - $6414)
Social Service Specialist 2: Range 56 ($5398 – $7254)
Social Service Specialist 3: Range 58 ($5666 - $7622)
How do I apply?
Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
Cover Letter
Current resume detailing experience and education.
Supplemental Information 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 our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
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 or military status, disability, or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a 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 in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.
Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equality verification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. Please black out the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get; they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Below is a summary of typical benefits available for full-time employees.
Insurance Benefits: Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‐term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
Employees also have access to the Washington State Employee Assistance Program, a program that promotes the health and well‑being of employees.
Retirement: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer‑contributed retirement programs. The Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you to control how much pre‑tax salary dollars you defer.
Social Security and Medicare: All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays: Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Employees who are members of certain unions may be entitled to additional personal leave days.
Sick Leave: Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees earn a monthly proportionate accrual; non‑exempt employees earn none.
Vacation (Annual Leave): Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in applicable law or agreement. Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave on a pro‑rated basis.
Military Leave: Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave: Employees receive five days paid bereavement leave for the death or loss of a family member.
Leave Sharing, Parental Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave Without Pay: Employees may access these. For more details, visit the State HR Website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr