Salary: $5,370.00 - $7,226.00 MonthlyLocation : Cowlitz County - Kelso, WAJob Type: Full Time - PermanentJob Number: 2025-04090Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and FamiliesDivision: CW Field Operations - Region 6Opening Date: 08/07/2025Closing Date: 8/14/2025 11:59 PM PacificSalary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step DescriptionOur 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: CPS Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)Location: Kelso, WACloses: 8/14/25Salary: $5666- $7622 Monthly. This position will receive 10% assignment pay. 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. This recruitment has been reposted for additional applications. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply- your application status remains unchanged.We're looking for a proactive Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialist (SSS3) to join our amazing Kelso team. If you are passionate about caring for children and providing them support, apply today! Click here to learn more about 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.Some of what you'll do:
- Conduct investigations into allegations of abandonment, abuse, or neglect of children.
- Interview children, family members, caregivers, and collateral sources to gather information necessary to assess child safety and determine service needs.
- 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.
- 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):Social Service Specialist 3:
- Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline 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
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles.
*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:
- 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.
How do I apply?Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
- 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 you 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, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical 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 recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: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 Equivalency certification 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 (redact) 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, For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) ###-#### or email 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-###-####.04090More than Just a Paycheck!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 understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. 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.Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance BenefitsEmployees 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.To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.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.The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.Social SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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.Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.Additional LeaveLeave SharingFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Leave Without PayPlease visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.Updated 07-21-202501 Which of the following best describes a combination of your education and experience in the social services field?
- I have a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences OR with 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND two years of paid social service experience.
- I have 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 one year of paid social service experience*.
- I have one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
- I have Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
- I have none of the above.
02 Please describe your Social Service experience which includes assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write none. Please do not write see application/resume/cover letter. 03 (For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?
04 This position requires a criminal background check prior to employment. 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. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?
05 Do you have a valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver's license?
06 DCYF - How did you hear about this job opportunity?
- WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
- WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
- Washington State Employee Referral
- DCYF Employee Referral
- DCYF Jobs Page
- Monster
- College/university career fair or website
- LinkedIn
- Facebook
- VERG
- Advertisement
- CareerBuilder
- Diversity Jobs
- Handshake
- Movie Theatre
- Other
07 If claiming veteran's preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?
Required Question
