On-Call Social Service Specialist In-Training; SSS– Region

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.” This announcement will generate a candidate pool for 2026 to fill ON‑CALL AFTER HOURS vacancies within Region 3 as they occur. If you have already applied, no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.

Job Title: ON‑CALL After‑Hours Social Service Specialist 1‑3 In‑Training (SSS3)
Location: NW Washington, Region 3 (Snohomish, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Whatcom Counties). Designated office is flexible depending on your location. This position requires time in the field and in the office.
Job Type: On‑Call
Hourly Rate: $27.42–$43.80. Additional 10% assignment pay may be earned upon reaching the Social Service Specialist 3 goal class.
Review Date: Applications are reviewed regularly.

We’re hiring Social Service Specialists 1, 2, or 3 “in‑training” to work evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays. As an After‑Hours Social Service Specialist, your role is to assist DCYF Region 3 during non‑business hours, responding to and investigating reports of abuse and neglect when DCYF offices are closed. The number of hours worked per week will vary depending on the calls received and the days you are available to work.

You will only need to be on‑call if you are scheduled to work, based on the calendar that you help create. This position offers scheduling flexibility based on your weekend availability.

• Respond to emergent requests and other after‑hours requests.
• Meet required time frames and complete documentation/paperwork in the FAMLINK database.
• Gather and document sufficient information to assess present danger and take protective action if danger is identified.
• Conduct 24‑hour emergent face‑to‑face contacts, 72‑hour non‑emergent face‑to‑face contacts, and monthly Health and Safety visits.
• Observe and document the living environment, physical condition, and behaviors of children.
• Follow Agency Policy for Photograph Documentation when photographing a child’s physical condition or environment to document child abuse or neglect.
• Respond to Protective Custody inquiries and partner with law enforcement when needed.
• 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.
• 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.
• Attend and testify in court.

Social Service Specialist 1:

• A completed Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences.
• OR a completed Bachelor’s degree that includes 30 semester credits or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline (if unrelated, must obtain required credits within 18 months of employment).
• OR four (4) years of paid work experience in caring for children, counseling youth, or educating youth AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline (credits required within 18 months if not held).
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Social Service Specialist 2:

• Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND at least 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• OR a Master’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences (including 30 semester or 45 quarter credits and a completed practicum).
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences (with 30 semester or 45 quarter credits) AND one (1) year of paid social service experience.
• OR one (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Social Service Specialist 3:

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience (including at least one…