CPS / CFWS Social Service Specialist In-Training 1-3 (SSS3) - Tumwater

Salary : $4,771.00 - $7,622.00 Monthly

Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type : Full Time - Permanent

Job Number : 2025-05201

Department : Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division : CW Field Operations - Region 6

Opening Date : 10 / 28 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 6 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

Salary Information : The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Our 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 / CFWS Social Service Specialist 1-3 In-Training (SSS3)

Location : Tumwater, WA

Closes : 11 / 6 / 25

Salary : $4771 - $7622 Monthly. 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.

This recruitment has been reposted for additional applications. If you have already applied, there is no need to reapply- your application status remains unchanged.

DCYF is looking for Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialists to join our amazing Tumwater office. Our office environment excels at team support, including cross-program communication and assistance, and is an open door with collaborative supervision. Would you like a career where you make a significant difference in the lives of children? If so, apply today.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity :

In this role, you will perform assessments, deliver services, conduct permanency planning, interview children and parents, evaluate child safety, and develop plans to protect children in their homes. You'll not only assess and plan, but you'll take additional action when needed to meet the needs of child safety, permanency, and well-being.

Some of what you'll do :

• Provide comprehensive assessments of casework needs for 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.
• 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.
• Supervise and place dependent children (abused, neglected, and abandoned) in foster or other approved placements, as necessary.
• 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) : The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, however, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 1 and 2 levels, with two different options to meet the qualifications through an In-Training plan.

In-Training Plan Option # 1 - Experience with Required Credits OR Degree with the Required Credits

Applicants applying under this training option must have at least four (4) years of on the job social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Social Service, Human Service, or Behavioral Science, or any completed Bachelor's degree field that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.

In-Training Plan Optio n #2 - Experience or Degree without the Required Credits

This option is for applicants who have four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following : caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and do not have 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire OR applicants who have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an unrelated field and do not have the required 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire.

This option is great for candidates who have some or most of the required credits and only need to complete a few classes to meet this requirement. Applicants who apply under this hiring option will begin employment at the Social Service Specialist 1 level and must complete the educational course requirements within 18 months of hire to advance to the next in-training step.

AND

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications :

Salary Ranges :

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 :

How do I apply? Complete your applicant profile and attach the following :

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

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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 blackout (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) 524-5627 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 360-664-1960.

05201

More 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 Benefits

Employees 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 Compensation

State 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 Security

All 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 Forgiveness

If 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 Leave

Washington 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 Leave

Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025

01

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS- The following questions will be used to verify qualifications and to determine the appropriate job classification. Any variation in your answers verified through the review process may delay your application. You will be asked to verify your education and the information provided on your online application, including your responses. Accuracy is essential.

02

Which of the following In-Training options best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications :

03

Please list your highest level of education completed and degree field of study. (example : Completed BA degree, MA degree, Doctorate, and your major / minor).

04

If you have a degree outside of the Social Services, Human Services, or Behavioral Sciences field, please list all of your qualifying Social Services, Human Services, or Behavioral Sciences semester or quarter hours (be specific and do not write, see transcript).

05

Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications?

06

Please choose the answer that best describes your Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) participation.

07

Failure to attach my transcripts (an unofficial copy is acceptable) may result in automatic disqualification from the application proceeding in this recruitment.

08

Do you have a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license?

09

(For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?

10

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?

11

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