Placement Exception Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) - Belonging House/Vancouver

Job Title Placement Exception Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) Location Vancouver, WA (Belonging House) Schedule Day Shift (4/10): 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, with variations to support 24/7 care. Salary $74,748 – $100,488 annually. Additional 5% premium pay for on‑site 24/7 facility not included. Responsibilities Lead a team of Social Service Specialists in a Placement Exception Facility that serves 13‑18 year‑old foster youth. Provide on‑the‑job training, mentoring, coaching, and consultation to staff. Assign work, review case actions for efficiency and compliance, and use data to identify trends. Supervise youth with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs. Document and report strengths, opportunities, and training needs to direct supervisor. Provide coverage for staff in absence and step into supervisory roles when necessary. Serve as Lead Specialist for the most complex cases. Required Qualifications Seven years of paid social service experience, including at least one year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family‑centered practice services, and 30 semester (or 45 quarter) credits in a Social Services discipline; or One year experience as a Social Service Specialist 3; or A Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a related field with 30 semester (or 45 quarter) credits in Social Services discipline and at least two years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering public child welfare, social, health, or chemical‑dependency treatment programs (a two‑year Master’s practicum may substitute one year of paid experience); or A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a related field with 30 semester (or 45 quarter) credits in Social Services discipline and at least three years of paid social service experience in the same areas. The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated case management experience. Knowledge of child development and/or family systems. Experience working with clients who have mental health problems, substance‑use disorder, developmental delays, or criminal behavior. Ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances and make accurate decisions. Experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies related to child welfare. Familiarity with agency software programs including Outlook and FAMLINK. Administrative Requirements Applicants must provide transcripts, a current resume, and a cover letter. Those claiming Veteran’s Preference must attach DD‑214 or equivalent documentation and redact the social security number before submission. Legal & Non‑Discrimination Statement Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran status, disability, or use of service animals. Background checks are conducted as part of hiring. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience. Formal training courses required by law and policy must be completed within one year of appointment. Closing Date Position closes July 17 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington