CFWS Legally Free Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Wenatchee

Job Title: CFWS Legally Free Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

Location: Wenatchee, WA 

Closes: 8/14/26

Salary: $69,348 - $93,288 Annually

The Opportunity:

In this role, you will primarily work with legally free youth, with a focus on placement stabilization and permanency.  Your caseload will include teenage youth, many of whom have been in the child welfare system for many years. This position requires an understanding of the challenges that youth face in today's world, as well as an interest in how to best support these youth in working toward adulthood and increased independence. Permanency is a primary focus, as most of these youth are not in permanent homes. You will also help connect these youth with family members, even if only for support and connection, should placement not be an option. 

Some of what you'll do:

• 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.

• 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*.

• 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*.

• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

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:

• Understanding the child welfare system
• Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare
• Policies, procedures, and best practices
• Assessing child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts
• Collecting records and collaborating with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services
• Completing assessments and documenting case notes
• Writing dependency petitions and court reports
• Preparing for and testifying in court

 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.

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 goal 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: https://wfse.org/.

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.

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. 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.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission).  If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. 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, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

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