FRS/FVS Social Service Specialist 2-3 (SSS3) - Parkland/Lakewood

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: FRS/FVS Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training (SSS3).

Locations: Lakewood, WA – Parkland Office. Region 5. (Region Map). This position in the FRS/FVS unit is full-time/permanent. Work duties will be performed in an office environment; while some teleworking options may be considered, full-time teleworking is not an option. Travel is a requirement of this position. This position will travel within its assigned areas of work, and the incumbent may be required to travel with clients as cases require, as well as to travel to attend trainings and meetings in other locations.

Salary: $5,398 - $7,622.

Closes: 7/29/2025

We're looking for a Social Service Specialist 2-3 to join us in the FRS (Family Reconciliation Services)/FVS (Family Voluntary Services) unit in Region 5's Parkland Office located in Lakewood, WA. We are seeking high-energy Social Service professionals with excellent child welfare assessment skills. Apply today to join our Parkland team in this challenging and highly rewarding position!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:
The FRS/FVS Specialist (SSS3) provides services to a caseload of families, allowing parents to voluntarily engage in services to increase their protective capacities and meet the child’s safety, health, and well-being needs. This individual will provide continuous assessment of risk and safety for children, and take appropriate action if risks are identified. In this role, you will provide advanced-level specialized case management in high-profile or complex cases involving children. As a frontline professional, your primary function is to determine if children are safe with their families, intervene to protect unsafe children, and develop case plans with the family to remedy the situation so families can safely parent their children.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Assess/investigate intakes into allegations of abandonment, abuse, or neglect of children and provide crisis intervention.
• Develop and implement safety plans and case plans to protect children from harm.
• Supervise voluntary placement while continuing to work with the children and parents to resolve abuse and neglect concerns.
• Provide monthly health and safety visits for children.
• Interview children, families, and collateral sources to assess risks to children and determine family needs.
• Assess the needs, risks, and dynamics for out-of-home placement and explain departmental policies and provisions of the law to families and community members.
• Prepare and counsel families through the placement process and exercise skills in crisis intervention.
• Create referrals and gather information to/from community resources, appropriate law enforcement agencies, and medical providers.
• Provide support services such as counseling, problem resolution, guidance, and referrals to community resource advocacy and mediation.
• Initiate payments, document case activities, and maintain case records.
• Research relative options; coordinate, transport, and monitor visitation with child's parents and/or siblings while child is in placement.
• Prepare written and informed reports to the court on dependency matters, making appropriate recommendations.
• May provide court testimony when necessary.
• Consult with attorneys and court-appointed personnel.
• Attend unit meetings, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Determine resources available for placement of children.
• Provide reasonable or active efforts to parents and ensure early and prompt referrals.
• Utilize Famlink/SACWIS/CCWIS to document case activities and maintain case records per policy.

Required Qualifications:
Social Service Specialist 2:
Five (5) years of paid social service experience** AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.

OR
A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a Master’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND a completed practicum.

OR
A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a Bachelor’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience.**

OR
One (1) year of experience** as a Social Service Specialist 1.

AND
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace principles.

**Paid Social Service experience assessing risk and safety, and providing direct family-centered practice services is not required.

Social Service Specialist 3:
Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.

OR
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 (1) year of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.

OR
A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.

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 (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• The most desirable qualification is prior public child welfare experience.
• Completed Master's Degree in Social Work with a completed practicum.
• Case management experience with mandatory clients.
• Previous experience working with children/youth in Child Welfare.
• Knowledge of child development and/or family systems.
• Experience assessing risk and safety regarding child abuse and neglect concerns or developing safety and service plans with families.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the local community and resources.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Experience with FamLink and documentation requirements.
• Experience using computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
• Cover Letter
• Current Resume

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.

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.

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.

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.

Incumbent must attend all mandatory DCYF training to include Social Service Specialists Academy Training Institute and CHET-specific training requirements within twelve months of initial appointment.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee benefits eligibility visit: Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, 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 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 Veterans' Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

2025-05004

Salary

• $5,398 - $7,622/month

Benefits

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
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