After Hours On-Call Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Region 4/Kent

After Hours On-Call Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Region 4/Kent

Salary

$31.64 - $44.68 Hourly

Location

King County - Kent, WA

Job Type

On-Call

Job Number

2026-04647

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

CW Field Operations - Region 4

Opening Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our vision is to ensure that "All Washingtons children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".

ATTENTION: This announcement will be used to fill ON-CALL AFTERHOURS vacancies within Region 4. We currently have six on-call vacancies.

If you have already applied, no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.

Job Title: ON-CALL After-Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training (SSS3).

Locations: Kent, WA - Region 4. Region Map. The After-Hours Unit is located in Kent and provides coverage to the entire area of DCYF Region 4, King County. This position requires time in the field and in the office. Transportation and travel with infants, toddlers, teens, and young adults are part of this job.

Job Type: On-Call.

Hourly: $31.64 - $44.68. King County Premium: The salary listed does not include the additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees. These positions may 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.

Review Date: Applications are reviewed weekly.

DCYF is seeking After-Hours Social Service Specialists at the 2-3 levels to work on-call and provide advanced-level specialized case management in our Region 4 After-Hours Unit. This opportunity is a great way to gain additional child welfare experience, supplement your income, and/or advance your career in social services. Apply today!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

Were hiring Social Service Specialists 3s or Social Service Specialists 2s "in-training" to work evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays. As an After-Hours Social Service Specialist, your role is to assist DCYF Region 4 during non-business hours. After-hours staff respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect during the times DCYF offices are closed. Local offices are closed from 5 pm to 8 am daily, on weekends, and on all holidays, but the need to assist children still exists. The number of hours worked per week will vary depending on the number of calls received and the number of days you are available to work. The Afterhours Social Service Specialist is responsible for meeting all casework management directives as required by law, policy, and other mandates.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Respond to emergent requests and other after-hours requests.
• Meet required timeframes and complete documentation/paperwork in FAMLINK.
• 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 physical condition, living environment, and behaviors of children.
• Follow Agency Policy for Photograph Documentation when photographing a childs 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.
• Maintain case records, required forms, and reports.
• Transport children/youth to placements, school, respite, etc.
• Attend and testify in court; respond to subpoenas.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Social Service Specialist 2:

Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND you must have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.

OR

A Masters degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences, or a Master's degree that 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 a Bachelor's degree that 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 (SSS1).

AND

• 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* AND you must have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.

OR

A Masters degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a Master's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience*.

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*.

OR

One year as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2).

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• 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:

• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and/or experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with families, community partners, and professionals around difficult or sensitive topics.
• Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect or developing safety or service plans with families.
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile with your full work history and education details, and complete the supplemental questions as accurately as possible. Please attach a copy of your college transcripts to confirm the required courses. Incomplete applications may be screened out of the recruitment process.

Attach the following:

• College Transcripts (an unofficial copy is acceptable for application)
• Cover Letter
• Current Resume

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 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.

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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.

Incumbent must attend all mandatory DCYF training, including After-Hours CORE Training provided by the Alliance and other training as needed within one year of initial employment.

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/

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit- Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact DCYF Recruiter. If youre experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. 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.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214 or NGB Form 22, or other verification of military service. Please black out (redact) the Social Security Number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

2026-04647

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS- The following questions will be used to verify qualifications and to determine the appropriate job classification. Any variation in your answers verified through the review process may delay your application. You will be asked to verify your education, experience, and the information provided on your online application, including your responses. Accuracy is essential.

• I have read and certify I understand the statement above.

02

Please choose, which of the following describes how you meet the required qualifications.

• (SSS2 level): I have Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND I have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• (SSS2 level): I have completed a Masters degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences, or a Master's degree that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND a completed practicum.
• (SSS2 level): I have completed a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a Bachelor's degree that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND I have the required One (1) year of paid social service experience.
• (SSS2 level): I have One (1) year of paid experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1).
• (SSS3 level): I have Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND I have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• (SSS3 level): I have completed a Masters degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a Master's degree that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND I have a minimum of One (1) year of paid social service experience*.
• (SSS3 level): I have completed a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Bachelor's degree that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND I have Two (2) years of paid social service experience*.
• (SSS3 level): I have One (1) year of paid work experience as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2).
• I am already an SSS2 with DCYF
• I am already an SSS3 with DCYF
• I have none of the above.

03

In a few sentences, please briefly describe how you meet the required qualifications listed above. Please do not state; see resume.

04

For the SSS3 level: *Paid social service experience MUST include at least one (1) year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Do you have this required experience?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience or I am not applying at the SSS3 level.

05

If you answered YES to the previous question, please briefly describe how/where you gained this required experience assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Please do not state; see resume.

06

Please list your highest level of education that you completed and your degree/field of study. (Example: I completed a Bachelors degree in June 2016 with a major in Social Work and a minor in Criminal Justice).

07

If you do not have a related college degree, please list all of your college credits/courses (semester or quarter hours) you have completed in Social Services, Human Services, or Behavioral Sciences. For the SSS2-3 level, you must either have a related degree or have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in these areas. Example: Sociology 101 (5 credits), Psychology 101 (5 credits), Criminal Justice (10 credits), etc.

08

If you participated in a DCYF Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) program, please select the answer that best reflects your status.

• Does not apply. - I have not participated in a DCYF CWTAP program.
• I have successfully completed a DCYF CWTAP program.
• I am currently participating in a DCYF CWTAP program and will be graduating in the next 60 days and have provided a letter of good standing from my university.

09

This position requires a criminal background check prior to employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

11

Failure to attach a copy of my transcripts may result in automatic disqualification from the application proceeding in this recruitment. Have you attached a copy of your transcript?

• Yes
• No

12

For those that have degrees obtained outside of the U.S., I certify I that I have included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org.

• I certify that I have included (attached) a foreign equivalency certification with my application.
• I do not have a foreign degree.

13

DCYF - How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• Washington State Employee Referral
• DCYF Employee Referral
• DCYF Jobs Page
• Monster
• College/university career fair or website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Advertisement
• CareerBuilder
• Diversity Jobs
• Handshake
• Movie Theatre
• Other

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov