Posting number: 2026-06495
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: CW Field Operations - Region 6
Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 4
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Social Services
SummaryOur 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.Our vision is to ensure that “All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."
Job Title: CPS Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4)
Location: Vancouver, WA (Columbia Office). This position will be eligible for telework 1-2 days per week after completing the probationary period.
Closes: 8/12/26
Salary: $74,748 - $100,488 Annually
We are looking for a Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to take the role of lead worker at our Vancouver Columbia Office. Our office is focused on child safety, staff retention, and creating a safe environment for our staff as they learn and develop their skills in child welfare practice. If this sounds like a team you want to be a part of, apply today!
Click here to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:
In this role, you will provide mentorship, on-the-job training, and assistance in the transition of staff from formal training to fieldwork. This position assigns work, conducts case reviews, and establishes procedures for efficient workflow. In the absence of the unit supervisor, this position will facilitate meetings and make decisions regarding case staffing.
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff.
- Conduct on-the-job training and assistance with staff in formal training plans who are transitioning to fieldwork.
- Assign work, review work for efficiency, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy and compliance with policy.
- Serve as Lead Specialist assigned to the most complex cases.
- Report on the strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor.
- Provide feedback for annual performance evaluations and identify training needs.
- Provide coverage of assigned caseloads.
- Attend court hearings and provide testimony in court when necessary
- Fill in as supervisor in the supervisor’s absence.
What we're looking for (Required Qualifications):
OR
One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
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 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. A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
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 three (3) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
AND
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
*Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Prior public child welfare experience
- Previously demonstrated case management experience.
- Previously demonstrated knowledge of child development and/or family systems.
- Previously demonstrated ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances, to gather information to make accurate and precise decisions.
- Previously demonstrated experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies, and delivering services accordingly.
- Previously demonstrated familiarity with the agency’s software programs, which include Outlook and FAMLINK.
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
- Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes)
- Resume
- Cover letter
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 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 position is included in the supervisory 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.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.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 contactDCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or emailsupport@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.
DSHS BHHA Strategic and Organizational Performance Manager description imageDCYF 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.
06495