CPS/FAR Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Aberdeen

State of Washington; Aberdeen (WA); Hybrid; USD 66.000 - 93.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

State of Washington is seeking a CPS/FARSocial Service Specialist 2-3 in Training in Aberdeen, WA. The role involves assessing complex family situations, interviewing children and parents, and developing safety plans for at-risk children.

The position includes mandatory Worker Core Training (WCT) lasting 9.5 weeks, with travel and lodging provided for Seattle cohorts. Eligible candidates may advance to the Social Service Specialist 3 level.

Qualifikationen

• Five years of paid social service experience and 30 credits in a Social Service discipline.
• Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field with 30 credits, plus experience.
• Master’s degree with practicum or equivalent credits and related experience.
• One year of experience as Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent.

Aufgaben

• Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse.
• Provide ongoing safety and risk assessment of the family throughout the case.
• Provide comprehensive assessment of casework needs for child and family.
• Assess need for out-of-home placement and coordinate with family.
• Monitor health and safety of children through regular visitation.
• Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain records.
• Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.

Kenntnisse

Paid social service experience

Case coordination

Child welfare principles

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree with 30 credits in Social Service discipline

Master’s degree with 30 credits in Social Service discipline and practicum

One year of experience as Social Service Specialist 1

Six years of paid social service experience with required credits

Tools

FAMLINK

Jobbeschreibung

Our vision is to ensure that “All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community”.

Job Title: CPS/FARSocial Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3)

Location: Aberdeen, WA (This position may have some flexibility to telework; however, the majority of the work will be completed in the office or field, providing one-on-one support to children and families.)

Closes: 11/24/26

Salary: $66,072 - $93,288 Annually. This position 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; the 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.

The Aberdeen office is recruiting a highly motivated Social Service Specialist 2-3 in our Child Protective Services (CPS) / Family Assessment Response (FAR) unit. Our office culture is welcoming, collaborative, and grounded in a shared commitment to supporting children and families. We strive to create a space where new team members feel included, and everyone’s contributions are valued. Staff enjoy a supportive environment with reflective supervision, opportunities for growth, and a team that genuinely cares about each other. We’re proud to serve our community and foster a positive, mission-driven workplace where people can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

The Opportunity:

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.

Salary Ranges:

The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.

• 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 AND30 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

AND

• 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.
• 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.

Worker Core Training (WCT):

As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT). This training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well-being, gathering information, and conducting case and permanency planning. During the training, you will have opportunities to practice these skills through classroom activities, simulation exercises, and debriefs. Upon hire, you will be assigned to the nearest available training cohort. The training includes four (4) weeks at our Seattle training site (scheduled for Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8). For those eligible for travel from their assigned duty location, DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs.

The WCT curriculum is designed to prepare Social Service Specialists for the responsibilities of the role, including:

• Understanding the child welfare system
• Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare
• Policies, procedures, and best practices
• Assessing child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts
• Collecting records and collaborating with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services
• Completing assessments and documenting case notes
• Writing dependency petitions and court reports
• Preparing for and testifying in court

This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

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 Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.

The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/