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

Salary: $69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-06296
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Licensing
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


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: Tacoma, WA (This position includes a hybrid schedule which involves in-person office work, telework from home, field work, home visits, and attending meetings)
Closes: Wednesday, August 12th, 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 beautiful Pierce County. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a strong, supportive, and mission-driven team committed to helping children, youth, and families thrive through connection, stability, and community.

At DCYF, we work alongside Washington's 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 ensuring children remain connected to their families, cultures, and communities whenever possible. We are proud of our collaborative team culture and the meaningful work we do every day to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and the caregivers who support them.
Click here to learn more about .


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


In this role, the Kinship Care Licensor performs advanced-level work in complex and high-profile cases involving children and vulnerable adults by conducting comprehensive kinship licensing assessments that thoughtfully 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, this position helps identify and overcome barriers that may impact a caregiver's ability to provide nurturing and supportive care while preserving important family, cultural, and community connections for children in the care and custody of the Department. This role requires strong clinical assessment skills, critical thinking, cultural responsiveness, and a commitment to aligning practice with DCYF's racial equity and social justice framework, while bringing compassion, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring child safety, permanency, and well-being.
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 and licensing process.
• Prepare clear and thorough written assessments describing caregiver family history, strengths, and areas of concern.
• Assist caregivers in overcoming barriers that may hinder their ability to care for children or become licensed.
• Complete in-person inspections of homes, outbuildings, and surrounding premises to assess safety and licensing compliance.
• Review completed background checks, collateral information, waivers, and disqualifications.
• Provide technical assistance and interpretation of policies and statutes governing licensing functions while supporting caregivers through the certification and licensing process.
• Communicate timely kinship licensure updates to Placement Coordinators, fiduciaries, tribal partners, contracted providers, and other administrations, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Child Welfare programs, DCYF divisions, and partner administrations to support communication and preserve safe, stable placements during the home study process.
• Interview caregivers, household members, and verbal children while observing caregiver-child interactions and coordinating with other professionals to support safe and healthy placements for children.
• Partner with Licensing Division programs during investigations involving allegations of CA/N or WAC violations and provide technical assistance, resources, and support to foster parents.
• Provide testimony and written declarations during administrative hearings and court proceedings related to home studies and licensing actions.

What we are looking for (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 master's 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 (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 position's 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.
• Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)

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 goal 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 applicant's 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 successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.
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:


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 :
If you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact . If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email . Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's 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, .
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.
2026-06296
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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

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?

• I have 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 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 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.
• 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. If you answered no, 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 licensing?

• None of the above (No experience performing this competency.)
• Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn.)
• Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through employer-sponsored training, higher education, or at least six (6) months of experience applying the competency in the workplace.)
• Skilled (Successfully and regularly performed assessments through intensive interviews and information gathering to complete family home studies. Generally, this is achieved through one (1) to three (3) years of experience.)
• Expert (Extensive experience performing assessments through intensive interviews and information gathering to complete family home studies and recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills in this area. Generally, this is achieved through three (3) or more years of experience.)

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, 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?

• None of the above (No experience performing this competency.)
• Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn.)
• Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through employer-sponsored training, higher education, or at least six (6) months of experience applying the competency in the workplace.)
• Skilled (Successfully and regularly provided technical assistance, interpreted policy and statute governing licensing functions, and assisted caregivers in becoming licensed or certified. Generally, this is achieved through one (1) to three (3) years of experience.)
• Expert (Extensive experience providing technical assistance, interpreting policy and statute governing licensing functions, and assisting caregivers through the licensing or certification process. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills in this area. Generally, this is achieved through three (3) or more years of experience.)

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, please type N/A in the text box below.Please do not respond with "See resume," "See application," or "See cover letter."
08


Which of the following best describes your experience independently managing an ongoing caseload or comparable workload that included cases or assignments of varying complexity, competing priorities, and deadlines?

• None of the above (No experience managing an ongoing caseload or comparable workload.)
• Willing (Little or no experience managing an ongoing caseload or comparable workload, but interested and willing to learn.)
• Developing (Developing knowledge and skills managing a caseload or comparable workload with guidance, including tracking assignments, priorities, and deadlines.)
• Skilled (Successfully and regularly managed a caseload or comparable workload with varying levels of complexity, independently prioritizing competing needs and adjusting priorities to meet deadlines.)
• Expert (Extensive experience independently managing a high-volume and/or complex caseload or comparable workload with frequently changing priorities, competing deadlines, and urgent needs. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional skills in managing and prioritizing complex workloads.)

09


Please describe your experience managing an ongoing caseload or comparable workload. Include the approximate size of your caseload or workload, the types and complexity of cases or assignments you managed, how you tracked your work and deadlines, and how you prioritized when multiple cases or assignments required your attention at the same time. Your response should support the competency level you selected above and be reflected in the work history section of your application.If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.Please do not respond with "See resume," "See application," or "See cover letter."
10


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 applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

11


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

• Yes
• No

12


If claiming veteran's 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

13


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

• Washington State's career website:
• 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