Social Service Specialist In Training; SSS- Newport

Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Newport

Location: Newport, WA

Salary: $5,398 – $7,622 Monthly (plus potential 10% assignment pay upon reaching SSS3 level)

Final date to receive applications: 1/23/26

We are seeking an enthusiastic Social Service Specialist (SSS3) to join our close‑knit Newport team. In a rural setting, you will act as a generalist, working across a broad range of child‑welfare cases to protect and support families in our community.

• Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse and neglect.
• Provide ongoing safety and risk assessment of families throughout case life, taking appropriate action to protect children.
• Offer services and support to children and families, prioritizing child safety.
• Assess need for out‑of‑home placement and collaborate with families to identify suitable options.
• Monitor children’s health and safety through regular visitations.
• Document case activities using FAMLINK and maintain accurate case records.
• Prepare and present cases for court proceedings.

• Five (5) years of paid social‑service experience and 30 semester (or 45 quarter) credits in a Social Service discipline.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or similar discipline with 30 semester (or 45 quarter) credits and one (1) year of paid social‑service experience.
• OR Master’s degree with 30 semester (or 45 quarter) credits and completed practicum.
• OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• OR Six (6) years of paid social‑service experience
  ** and
  * * 30 semester (or 45 quarter) credits.
• OR Bachelor’s degree
  ** and
  * * two (2) years of paid social‑service experience.
• OR Master’s degree
  ** and
  * * one (1) year of paid social‑service experience.
• OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• Demonstrated ability to grow and to meet the needs of others.
• Paid social‑service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family‑centered practice services.

• Knowledge of child protective services laws, rules, and policies.
• Understanding of addiction and relapse prevention principles, and experience with substance use disorder clients.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families and community partners.
• Experience assessing child safety and developing safety or service plans.
• Organizational skills for FAMLINK documentation.

All SSS3s must complete a 9½‑week WCT program covering child‑welfare systems, RCW, policies, risk assessment, interviewing, documentation, and court testimony. Training includes four weeks at the Seattle site (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8) with travel covered for eligible employees.

Washington State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement (PERS), and paid leave. For a full list of benefits,
Read About Our Benefits
.

• Complete your applicant profile.
• Attach transcripts (unofficial acceptable), a cover letter, and a current resume.
• Submit your application via NEOGOV.

Washington State is an equal‑opportunity employer. Disability accommodations are available upon request. Prior to hire, criminal background checks and drug screening will be conducted. This position requires at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. DCYF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran status, disability, or use of a service animal.