Hybrid Kinship Licensing Specialist (SSS3)

State of Washington; Bellingham (WA); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Washington state is seeking a Kinship Care Licensor to join our Kinship Licensing team in Bellingham. You will perform advanced kinship licensing assessments, reviewing caregiver history, trauma, and support networks to ensure safe, nurturing placements that preserve family and cultural connections.

This role blends clinical assessment, advocacy, and collaboration with caregivers, Placement Coordinators, tribal partners, and other agencies.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND you must have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• One (1) year of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a master's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, Social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or bachelor's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND two (2) years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, Social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• One (1) year as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2).
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments through intensive interviews and information gathering to complete Family Home Studies for kinship placement, certification, and/or licensing in compliance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
• Consult with applicants, refer them to services or training, and support them throughout the home study and licensing process.
• Prepare clear and thorough written assessments describing caregiver family history, strengths, and areas of concern.
• Assist caregivers in overcoming barriers that may hinder their ability to care for children or become licensed.
• Complete in-person inspections of homes, outbuildings, and surrounding premises to assess safety and licensing compliance.
• Review completed background checks, collateral information, waivers, and disqualifications.
• Provide technical assistance and interpretation of policies and statutes governing licensing functions while supporting caregivers through the certification and licensing process.
• Communicate timely kinship licensure updates to Placement Coordinators, fiduciaries, tribal partners, contracted providers, and other administrations, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Child Welfare programs, DCYF divisions, and partner administrations to support communication and preserve safe, stable placements during the home study process.
• Interview caregivers, household members, and verbal children while observing caregiver-child interactions and coordinating with other professionals to support safe and healthy placements for children.
• Partner with Licensing Division programs during investigations involving allegations of CA/N or WAC violations and provide technical assistance, resources, and support to foster parents.
• Provide testimony and written declarations during administrative hearings and court proceedings related to home studies and licensing actions.

Skills

Social service experience

Professional communication

Ability to learn and grow

MS Office (Word and Outlook)

Education

Master's degree in social services or related field with 30 credits in Social Services

Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or related field with 30 credits in Social Services

Six years of paid social service experience with 30 credits in Social Services

Tools

MS Office (Word & Outlook)

Job description

Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Washington state is seeking a Kinship Care Licensor to join our Kinship Licensing team in Bellingham. You will perform advanced kinship licensing assessments, reviewing caregiver history, trauma, and support networks to ensure safe, nurturing placements that preserve family and cultural connections.

This role blends clinical assessment, advocacy, and collaboration with caregivers, Placement Coordinators, tribal partners, and other agencies.