Youth Support Specialist – Placement Exception

State of Washington; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) seeks a Social Service Support Specialist for the Vancouver Belonging House. The role supports foster youth aged 13–18 with high behavioral and mental health needs, requiring strong supervision and crisis de‑escalation skills.

Responsibilities include supervising youth, transporting to activities, providing therapeutic engagement, mentoring life skills, and maintaining meticulous records in FAMLINK.

Qualifications

• One year of paid/unpaid experience in caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations.
• Two years of social service education from an accredited program may substitute for experience.
• Must obtain Washington State Food Handler card within 14 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and monitoring of all Belonging House youth.
• Transport/monitor youth to and from school and community-based appointments.
• Provide therapeutic engagement, including free play and directed activities.
• Coach, mentor, and teach life skills.
• Conduct routine and random resident checks, including head counts, building integrity checks, key control, room searches, and make required security calls.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Youth engagement

Assessment skills

Pro-social behavior modelling

Education

Associate's Degree in related field

Social service education program (2 years)

Tools

FAMLINK

Job description

The State of Washington, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) seeks a Social Service Support Specialist for the Vancouver Belonging House. The role supports foster youth aged 13–18 with high behavioral and mental health needs, requiring strong supervision and crisis de‑escalation skills.

Responsibilities include supervising youth, transporting to activities, providing therapeutic engagement, mentoring life skills, and maintaining meticulous records in FAMLINK.