INTERNAL ONLY CFWS/CPS Roving Unit Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Seattle

INTERNAL ONLY CFWS/CPS Roving Unit Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Seattle

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

King County - Seattle - Other, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Non-Permanent

Job Number

2026-01745

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

CW Field Operations - Region 4

Opening Date

07/07/2026

Closing Date

7/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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:INTERNAL ONLY: This position is open to current DCYF employees only.

We have five vacancies; these 12-month non-permanent positions are needed to fill our NEWLY created Roving Unit.

This recruitment has been reposted for additional candidates. If you have already applied, no need to reapply; your status remains unchanged.

Job Title: INTERNAL ONLY - CFWS/CPS - Roving Unit, Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3).

Location: Seattle, WA - Region 4. (Region Map). These full-time, non-permanent positions require time in the field and the office. Travel is a requirement; these positions will travel within their assigned areas of work, and the incumbents may be required to travel with clients as cases require, as well as travel to attend training and meetings in other locations.

Closes: 07/21/2026

Salary: $69,348 - $93,288. King County Premium: The salary listed does not include the additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees. Assignment Pay: This position will also 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.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is seeking multiple Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS)/Child Protective Services (CPS) Social Service Specialists 3 (SSS3) to join our NEWLY created "Roving Unit" in King County. These Social Service Specialists 3s will provide time-limited support services to the Region 4 field offices based on business needs by investigating, within required timeframes, all assigned reports of child abuse or neglect. Roving CPS/CFWS SSS3 positions are assigned cases to support local offices within the region. They will change offices as requested by the appointing authority to support the office in meeting their needs. Assistance in an office can fluctuate from a few weeks to a few months. These positions ensure timely assessment of risk and safety and are not ongoing case-carrying positions. If you have child welfare experience, apply today and join our newly formed Region 4 Roving Unit!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

These Social Service Specialist 3 - Roving Unit positions provide advanced-level specialized case management in high-profile and/or complex cases involving children. These positions are considered frontline department employees responsible for investigating and intervening with families where there are allegations of child abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment. The primary function of these positions is to determine if children are safe with their families and caregivers, intervene to protect unsafe children, and develop a case plan with the family and caregivers to remedy the situation so families can safely parent their children. These positions ensure timely permanency outcomes for children, including reunification, adoption, guardianship, and third-party custody plans.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Provide case-specific assessments; conduct investigations, interview children and families, develop and implement case plans, and make referrals.
• Provide ongoing assessment of safety, danger, and risk; complete safety and present danger assessments, and monitor safety plans.
• Complete health and safety visits.
• Assess resource needs of children, birth parents, and caregivers and provide stabilization supports.
• Determine resources available for placement of children.
• Permanency Planning
• Identify and develop appropriate permanent plans.
• Implement concurrent planning and refer cases for termination.
• Provide reasonable or active efforts to parents and ensure early and prompt referrals.
• Utilize SACWIS/CCWIS to document case activities and maintain case records per policy.
• Initiate payments within SACWIS/CCWIS for child placement and child/family services.
• Maintain case files.
• Prepare and file dependency petitions, guardianship petitions, and other legal documents related to implementation of permanent plans.
• Prepare written, informed reports to the court on dependency matters and make appropriate recommendations.
• Consult with attorneys and court-appointed personnel.
• Follow procedures to ensure notice of court hearings and a copy of the dependency petition is given to those described in the statute.
• Serve summons to parties for court hearings and explain the court process to parents and children.
• Attend all court hearings associated with the assigned caseload and provide testimony in court when necessary.
• Ensure expert testimony by a designated Indian expert is available for court hearings as appropriate.
• Produce discovery.

Required Qualifications:

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.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Case management experience with mandatory clients.
• A completed Masters Degree in Social Work.
• Previous case management experience working with children and families in Child Welfare Programs such as CPS, CFWS, Adoptions/Permanency, or After-hours.
• Current knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on the delivery of child protective and child welfare services within Washington State.
• Experience implementing risk assessment in cases using the preferred risk assessment model and child safety framework.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies, and delivering services accordingly
• Knowledge of child development and/or family systems.
• Professional experience working with clients who have mental health problems, substance use disorder, developmental delays, or criminal behaviors.
• Experience using FamLink and maintaining Famlink documentation.
• Ability to fully utilize shared decision-making processes.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and in writing.

How do I apply?

In addition to completing the online application, please attach the following:

• Cover Letter
• 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.

Must attend all mandatory DCYF training including Social Service Specialists Academy Training Institute and CHET specific training requirements, within twelve months of initial appointment.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

2026-01745

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

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

This is a DCYF Internal job posting: Are you a current and active employee with the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)? Please note: This DCYF work experience should be reflected in the Work History section on your application.

• Yes, I am a current permanent DCYF employee.
• Yes, I am a current DCYF employee, but not permanent.
• No, I am not a DCYF employee.

03

Which of the following best describes how you qualify for this position?

• I have Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND you must have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• I have 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*.
• I have 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*.
• I have one year (or more) as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2).
• I am already a Social Service Specialist 3.
• I have none of the above.

04

Please briefly describe how you meet the qualifications for this position, as indicated in the previous question. Your answer should be reflected in your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Answers such as "see application/resume/cover letter", will not be accepted.

05

Paid social service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Do you have this required experience?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your Social Service experience which includes assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter."

07

Do you have previous case management experience working with children and families in Child Welfare Programs (such as CPS, CFWS, Adoptions/Permanency, or After-hours)?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience using FamLink and maintaining Famlink documentation?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have current knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on the delivery of child protective and child welfare services within Washington State?

• Yes, I have current knowledge of Washington State child welfare laws, rules, policies.
• Yes, I have this knowledge but in another state.
• No, I do not have this knowledge.

10

(For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?

• Yes
• No
• Does not apply

11

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

• Yes
• No

12

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

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