After Hours FT Social Service Specialist 2-3 (SSS3) - Kent

Job Title: After-Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 (SSS3).
Locations: Kent, WA. Region 4. Region Map. This position requires time in the field and office; teleworking is not an option. The designated office is located in Kent, and the After-Hours Specialist serves children and families throughout Region 4, King County.
Job Type/Schedule: Full-time/Permanent. This position will have the following schedule: Thursday 4 pm-2:30 am, Friday 4 pm-11:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-9:30 pm, and
Sunday 10 am-9:30 pm.
Salary (Monthly): Social Service Specialist 2: $5,117 – $6,876. Social Service Specialist 3: $5,370 - $7,226. King County Premium: The salary listed does not include the additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees. Assignment Pay: This position will also 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.
Closes: 04/24/2025

We are looking for a Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) or Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) In- Training to provide case management services to clients and families in the Afterhours Unit, Region 4, King County. We are seeking a high-energy Social Service professional with excellent child welfare assessment skills. Apply today and join our amazing after-hours team!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:
In this role, you will be assigned Child Protective Services (CPS) initial intakes and assess for present danger in Region 4. After-hours staff respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect during times when the local Department of Children, Youth, and Families offices are closed. Our after-hours team works when offices are closed in the evenings, on weekends, overnights, and holidays.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Meet all casework management directives required by law, policy, and mandates.
• Perform advanced-level work in the investigation of child abuse and neglect allegations and specialized case management.
• Investigate allegations, assess complex family situations, and develop plans to protect children either in their own homes or out-of-home care through the intervention of the court system.
• Make findings of abuse or neglect based on the results of the investigation and coordinate with law enforcement as necessary.
• Focus on understanding and respecting the strengths of families including their heritage, cultural beliefs and values, communication, and learning styles.
• Follow the Indian Child Welfare (ICW) policy, inquire about ICW status, and complete the Indian Identity Request and the Family Ancestry Chart.
• Gather demographic information for relatives or suitable others and conduct an NCIC emergent CODE X background check on possible placement options.
• Transport children and youth.
• Conduct Health and Safety visits.
• Supervise youth after hours when placement efforts are ongoing or when placement is unable to locate a safe appropriate placement.
• Work collaboratively with other social workers within other units and offices.
• Utilize the Child Health and Education Tracking (CHET) Screens.
• Provide accurate and timely documentation in FamLink.
• Attend and testify in court.

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 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 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.

**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.

• 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:

• Transcripts - (an unofficial copy is acceptable for application purposes).
• Current 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 mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but 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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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.

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.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/
2025-02572