Kinship Licensing Specialist (SSS3)

State of Washington Dept of Children, Youth, and Families; Washington; Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) seeks a Kinship Care Licensor, Social Service Specialist 3, to conduct advanced kinship licensing assessments, home studies, and licensing actions in King County. You will evaluate caregiver strengths, family history, trauma, ACEs, and support systems, ensuring child safety and community connections.

The role requires strong clinical assessment, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to DCYF's racial equity framework,

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• A master's degree... includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience.
• A bachelor’s degree... includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND two (2) years of paid social service experience.
• 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 RCW/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 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 work exp

Communication

Cultural responsiveness

Travel required

Action orientation

Education

Master's in Social Services

Bachelor's in Social Services

30+ credits in Social Services

Tools

MS Office (Word & Outlook)

Department databases

Job description

The State of Washington, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) seeks a Kinship Care Licensor, Social Service Specialist 3, to conduct advanced kinship licensing assessments, home studies, and licensing actions in King County. You will evaluate caregiver strengths, family history, trauma, ACEs, and support systems, ensuring child safety and community connections.

The role requires strong clinical assessment, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to DCYF's racial equity framework,