Kinship Care Licensor | Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Vancouver

Kinship Care Licensor | Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Vancouver

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Clark County - Vancouver, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-05564

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Licensing

Opening Date

07/10/2026

Closing Date

7/19/2026 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 "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Kinship Care Licensor | Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

Location: Vancouver, WA - This position includes a hybrid schedule which involves in-person office work, telework from home, field work, home visits, and occasional travel to attend meetings, trainings or to support the needs of the kinship caregivers throughout Region 6.

Closes: Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Salary: $69,348 - $93,288 Annually

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking a passionate and dedicated Social Service Specialist to join our Kinship Licensing team in Vancouver, Washington. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven team while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work environment. At DCYF, we work alongside Washingtons vulnerable children, youth, and families to foster safety, stability, and better outcomes by strengthening opportunities, connections, and community.

Our Kinship Licensing team plays a vital role in helping children remain safely connected to their families, cultures, and communities whenever possible through a kin-first approach. Based in the vibrant Vancouver community, youll have the opportunity to partner with families, caregivers, and community organizations to make a lasting impact in the lives of children throughout Southwest Washington.

We are seeking someone who is compassionate, organized, open to learning, and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and kinship families. Essential skills for success in this role include excellent communication, strong assessment and critical thinking abilities, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and relationship-building skills, The successful candidate will be able to prioritize competing demands while responding to the needs of families, children, kinship caregivers, and the agency in a timely and professional manner. If youre looking for rewarding work, workplace flexibility, and the support of an exceptional team, wed love to hear from you.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

This position offers a unique and rewarding blend of specialized family support, advanced clinical assessment, case management, relationship building, and advocacy while supporting children and families through a kin-first approach.

As a Kinship Care Licensor, you will perform advanced-level specialized case management on complex or potentially high-profile cases involving children and vulnerable adults. You will conduct comprehensive kinship licensing assessments that evaluate caregiver strengths, challenges, family history, parenting capacity, trauma-related experiences, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and available support systems. Through ongoing engagement, home evaluations, and collaboration with caregivers and community partners, you will identify and address barriers that may impact a caregivers ability to provide safe, stable, and nurturing care.

Using a kin-first approach, you will help children in the care and custody of the Department maintain meaningful family, cultural, and community connections throughout the life of a case. This position is responsible for meeting all case management directives required by law while exercising sound professional judgment, applying strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills, and ensuring licensing decisions support child safety, permanency, and well-being.

This role requires a commitment to DCYFs Racial Equity and Social Justice Framework, applying trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and family-centered practices while building collaborative relationships with caregivers, Tribal partners, service providers, and community organizations to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Conduct assessments through intensive interviews and information gathering to complete Family Home Studies for kinship placement, certification, and/or licensing in compliance with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
• Consult with applicants, refer them to services or training, and support them throughout the home study, licensing, renewal, and amendment processes while ensuring assessments are completed within established program timeframes.
• Prepare clear and thorough written assessments describing caregiver family history, strengths, trauma-related experiences, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), parenting capacity, and areas of concern to support licensing recommendations.
• Assist caregivers in identifying and overcoming barriers that may hinder their ability to care for children, become licensed, maintain licensure, or successfully complete the renewal process.
• Complete in-person inspections of homes, outbuildings, and surrounding premises to assess safety, licensing compliance, and ongoing health and safety requirements.
• Review completed background checks, collateral information, waivers, disqualifications, licensing complaints, and other required documentation to ensure compliance with licensing standards.
• Monitor licensed kinship homes by completing required health and safety visits, processing license renewals, amendments, and changes in circumstances, and communicating licensing requirements and status updates to caregivers and child welfare staff.
• Provide timely, responsive customer service by returning calls, emails, and other communications, while offering technical assistance and interpretation of policies and statutes governing licensing functions.
• Communicate timely kinship licensure updates to Placement Coordinators, fiduciaries, Tribal partners, contracted providers, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), and other DCYF programs, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Child Welfare programs, DCYF divisions, Tribal partners, and community organizations to preserve safe, stable placements and support positive outcomes for children and families.
• Interview caregivers, household members, and verbal children; observe caregiver-child interactions; and collaborate with other professionals to support safe, healthy, and nurturing home environments.
• Partner with Licensing Division programs during investigations involving allegations of child abuse or neglect (CA/N) or Washington Administrative Code (WAC) violations by conducting interviews, completing home inspections, and providing technical assistance and support to caregivers.
• Represent DCYF in licensing actions by preparing written declarations and providing testimony during administrative hearings and court proceedings related to home studies, licensing decisions, renewals, and enforcement actions.
• Document licensing, home study, renewal, and maintenance activities using department databases while maintaining accurate provider records in accordance with agency policies and documentation standards.

What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):

• 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 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* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, Social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.

OR

• A Masters degree in Social Services, human services, behavioral sciences, or Master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid Social Service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.

OR

• One (1) 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 the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated solid working foundation and understanding of agency policies, WAC, and RCW related to licensing kinship homes.
• Demonstrated program management experience in a regulatory or supervisory capacity for facilities providing care to children.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely communicate verbally and in writing with management, peers, clients, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Ability to travel frequently within the positions region.
• Demonstrated skills in the use of MS Office (Word and Outlook) and Department databases.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Cover Letter
• Current resume detailing experience and education.

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 (2) years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.

The incumbent must complete all required training within required timeframes.

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 would like to request 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, NGB Form 22, or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, the individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (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.

2026-05564

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

Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications of this position? *Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

• I have a masters degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or master's degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• I have a bachelors 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* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• I have six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• I have one (1) full year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• I have none of the above.

02

Briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous question. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you answered "No Experience," please type "N/A" in the text box below. Please do not respond with "See resume," "See application," or "See cover letter."

03

Do you have at least one (1) year of paid experience assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services?

• Yes, I have this experience.
• No, I do not have this experience.

04

Which of the following best describes your experience performing assessments through an intensive interview and information gathering process to complete family home studies for kinship placement, certification and/or license?

• No experience - I have no experience performing family home study assessments for kinship placement, certification, or licensing.
• Limited experience - I have assisted with or completed family home study assessments under close supervision or as a small part of my job responsibilities.
• Intermediate experience - I have independently conducted family home study assessments, including interviewing applicants, gathering information, evaluating documentation, and preparing recommendations for kinship placement, certification, or licensing as a regular part of my work.
• Advanced experience - I have extensive experience independently conducting complex family home study assessments, evaluating caregiver strengths and risk factors, interpreting applicable laws, regulations, and policy, preparing comprehensive licensing recommendations, and providing guidance or consultation to others regarding the home study and licensing process.

05

If you indicated that you have experience performing assessments through an intensive interview and information gathering process to complete family home studies for kinship placement, certification and/or license, please explain your experience. If you answered "No Experience," please type "N/A" in the text box below. Please do not respond with "See resume," "See application," or "See cover letter."

06

Which of the following best describes your experience providing technical assistance and interpretation of policy and statute governing licensing functions and assisting caregivers in becoming licensed or certified?

• No experience - I have no experience providing technical assistance or interpreting policies, statutes, or licensing requirements related to caregiver licensing or certification.
• Limited experience - I have provided basic information or guidance regarding policies, procedures, or licensing requirements under the direction of others or as a small part of my job responsibilities.
• Intermediate experience - I have independently provided technical assistance and interpreted policies, statutes, or licensing requirements to guide caregivers, applicants, or providers through the licensing or certification process as a regular part of my work.
• Advanced experience - I have extensive experience independently interpreting and applying complex policies, statutes, and licensing requirements, providing expert technical assistance to caregivers and stakeholders, resolving complex licensing issues, and serving as a resource or subject matter expert for others.

07

If you indicated that you have experience providing technical assistance and interpretation of policy and statute governing licensing functions and assisting caregivers in becoming licensed or certified, please explain your experience. If you answered "No Experience," please type "N/A" in the text box below. Please do not respond with "See resume," "See application," or "See cover letter."

08

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

09

Do you have a minimum of at least two (2) years of driving experience and a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

10

If claiming veterans preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?

• Yes
• No
• Does not apply

11

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington States career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• ZipRecruiter
• Handshake
• 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