INTERNAL ONLY CPS Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) – Vancouver

Description

Job Title: INTERNAL ONLY CPS Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) This position is open to current DCYF employees only. 

Location: Vancouver, WA (Position will require in-person office and field work but allows for flexibility to telework 1-2 days a week.)

Closes: 3/26/25

Salary:  $5783 - $7779 Monthly. This position will receive 10% assignment pay. 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. 

This recruitment has been reposted for additional applications. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply— your application status remains unchanged.

We are looking for a Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialist (SSS4) for our Vancouver 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. 

• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff.
• Assign work, review work for efficiency, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy and compliance with policy. 
• Report on strengths and opportunities of employees to their direct supervisor.
• Serve as Lead Specialist assigned the most complex cases.
• Report on strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor. 
• Provide feedback for annual performance evaluations and identify training needs.
• Provide coverage of assigned caseloads.
• Fill in as supervisor in the supervisor’s absence.

What we're looking for (Required Qualifications):

 Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• 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

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 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.

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 contact DCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email [email protected]. 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.