Job Details

Non-Perm Intake Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

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

Location: Spokane Valley, WA (Hybrid/Telework flexibility. This position is primarily telework; however, may be required to report to the Spokane Valley office at any time.)

Closes: 4/17/26

Salary: $5398 - $7622 Monthly (This position is not eligible for assignment pay.)

We're looking for a Non-Perm Intake Social Service Specialist to join our amazing Spokane Valley team. In this position, you will make a significant difference in the lives of each child under your care. Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children in your community? Apply today!

The Opportunity: As an Intake Social Service Specialist, you will assist cases in a variety of program areas, including Child Protective Services, Child and Family Services, Family Voluntary Services, and Family Reconciliation Services. This position takes child abuse/neglect and service request calls from the community and writes intakes that are distributed to field workers.

Some of what you'll do:

• Take and process calls and reports of child abuse and/or neglect (C/AN) cases and requests for other DCYF services.
• Interview, refer, and document information received, including asking clarifying questions, obtaining details, and assessing the information provided.
• Assess risk, safety, and protective factors and document/record in FAMLINK.
• Conduct a thorough data search, including but not limited to DAPS, ACES, DOH, SCOMIS, SEMS, RSO websites, reverse address/phone numbers, and verify the information is correct.
• Identify information of clients, family members, caregivers, and children to obtain additional pertinent information to assist in assessing risk and protective factors and determine screening decisions.
• Meet required timelines for completion of intake assessments.
• Make referrals to Law Enforcement where criminal acts may have been committed.

Salary Ranges:

The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.

• Social Service Specialist 2: Range 56 ($5398 – $7254)
• Social Service Specialist 3: Range 58 ($5666 - $7622)

What we are looking for at each level: Social Service Specialist 2:

• Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.

OR

• Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience.

OR

• A Master's 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 completed practicum.

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.

Social Service Specialist 3:

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.

OR

• Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience*.

OR

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

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2

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 year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Case management experience.
• 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.
• Ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances, to gather information to make accurate and precise decisions
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

Worker Core Training (WCT): As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT). This training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well-being, gathering information, and conducting case and permanency planning. During the training, you will have opportunities to practice these skills through classroom activities, simulation exercises, and debriefs. Upon hire, you will be assigned to the nearest available training cohort. The training includes four (4) weeks at our Seattle training site (scheduled for Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8). For those eligible for travel from their assigned duty location, DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs.

The WCT curriculum is designed to prepare Social Service Specialists for the responsibilities of the role, including:

• Understanding the child welfare system
• Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare
• Policies, procedures, and best practices
• Assessing child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts
• Collecting records and collaborating with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services
• Completing assessments and documenting case notes
• Writing dependency petitions and court reports
• Preparing for and testifying in court

How do I apply? Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
• Cover Letter
• Current resume detailing experience and education

For questions regarding this position, please contact the hiring supervisor, Melissa Kehmeier, at 509-710-1657.

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. 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 recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more