Kinship Notification Unit Specialist | Program Specialist ; PS- Vancouver

Job Title: Kinship Notification Unit Program Specialist 2 (PS2)

Location: Vancouver, WA (hybrid – 4 days remote, 1 day in office; open to any Washington state location)

Salary: $3,752 – $5,011 monthly

Closes: Friday, January 16, 2026

Our vision is to ensure Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally, and academically—nurtured by family and community.

We seek a Kinship Notification Unit (KNU) Program Specialist 2 to provide guidance, front‑line assistance, and support to kinship homes. The specialist will assist kinship homes through the portal system, explain initial licensing options, and serve as the primary contact for the kinship care licensing program. The goal is to support, educate, and guide kinship families and eliminate outcome disparities based on race and ethnicity.

The specialist will provide community and agency support, utilizing data to understand placement of children with kinship caregivers. Responsibilities include initiating, validating, and assigning home‑study referrals, preventing delays in permanency outcomes, and promoting the Kin‑First culture. Collaboration with DCYF staff, licensing teams, regional partners, and tribal partners is integral.

• Initiate background checks for all required applicants and household members.
• Provide technical assistance to kinship applicants on background clearance, initial licensing, home study, or reassessment.
• Outreach to kinship caregivers for program engagement.
• Interpret and communicate policy and statutory guidance for home study/licensing processes.
• Help caregivers initiate home study/licensing and set up the foster care portal.
• Collaborate with other DCYF programs to maintain safe, stable kinship placements.
• Serve as backup for other Licensing Division KNU staff.
• Maintain Fam Link and foster care portal systems.
• Use independent judgment to address program limitations and implement improvement strategies.
• Review and validate early notification of placement and home study requests; eliminate duplications.
• Create persons and providers in Fam Link and/or portal.

• A Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, social science, health care or related field; OR
  • Four (4) years of planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation experience with public and private agencies or levels of government.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and grow.
• Demonstrated ability to meet the needs of others.

• Understanding of agency policies, WAC, RCW related to kinship placement, home studies, and licensing.
• Experience in child welfare and with diverse populations.
• Data analysis and reporting for policy/practice improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Fam Link, and related business applications.

Submit an online application and attach:

• Cover letter
• Current résumé

DCYF is committed to diversity and equity. This position is included in the Washington Federation of State Employees bargaining unit. Veterans must attach DD‑214 or equivalent. Social security numbers must be redacted. Veteran’s Preference may apply.

• Health, vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Flexible spending account for health and dependent care.
• Paid leave, holidays, and sick leave per state policy.
• Retirement through PERS and optional Deferred Compensation Program.
• Social Security, Medicare, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran status, disability, or protected class. Please contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition) for accommodations.