CFWS Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) - Bremerton

Salary: $73,284.00 - $98,520.00 Annually
Location : Kitsap County - Bremerton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-04689
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: CW Field Operations - Region 5
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 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: CFWS Lead Worker - Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4).


Location: Bremerton, WA - Region 5. (Region Map). This position is full-time and permanent, requiring time in the field and the office. Travel is a requirement of this position. This position will travel within its assigned areas of work, travel with clients as cases require, and travel to attend training and meetings in other locations. This position is hybrid with an option to telework two days per week as business needs allow.


Closes: 06/18/2026

Salary: $73,284 - $98,520 Annually. Assignment Pay: This position will also receive 10% assignment pay, 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 (DCYF) is seeking a Lead CFWS Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) for the Bremerton Office to support CFWS work in quality work, quality parent engagement, and timely permanency. Our office values teamwork, staff well-being, and quality practice with a focus on child safety. The ideal candidate is experienced and knowledgeable in CFWS and is ready to take on a supportive, mentorship role. If you have the necessary skills and are passionate about training staff and helping children and families, apply today.
Click here to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:

This position functions as a Lead Worker over Social Service Specialists who provide professional-level social services to clients involved with (CFWS) Child Family Welfare Services. This position provides advanced specialized case management, coaching, mentoring, on-the-job training, and assistance in transitioning staff from a formal training program to fieldwork. This position assigns work, conducts case reviews, establishes and maintains procedures to ensure efficient workflow, and acts as Unit Supervisor (SSS5) in their absence, including attendance at meetings, facilitation of meetings, case staffing, and decision-making. This position has the responsibility to apply child welfare practice principles, laws, rules, and policy in leading employees within its unit, as well as assessing and intervening on assigned workload in the most complex cases. The SSS4 works with a diverse population, which may include military and/or Native American families, follows Indian Child Welfare policies, follows protocols signed with military organizations and local law enforcement agencies, and works closely with the Military Family Advocacy and/or tribal personnel. This position must implement culturally-relevant, ADA-sensitive, and individualized service plans with clients, which are goal-directed, have specific behavioral objectives, and are time-limited.
Some of what you'll get to do:

• Serves as the lead worker assigned to the most complex cases, determined by the supervisor or Area Administrator.
• Provides on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to staff in multiple Field Operations program areas.
• Serves as the lead position over Social Service Specialists and Social Service Support Specialists (SSSS, SSS1, SSS2, and SSS3 levels).
• In conjunction with the supervisor, assigns work, reviews work for efficacy, uses data to identify trends, and reviews case actions for accuracy.
• Provides feedback and reporting to the supervisor on employees' performance and training needs.
• Provides coverage of assigned caseloads in the absence of a Social Service Specialist.
• In the supervisor's absence, attends meetings and provides supervisory coverage.
• Prepares and provides testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.
• Refers, coordinates, and monitors the delivery of services.
• Provides goal-directed, task-centered, and time-limited crisis intervention to children and families.
• Utilizes shared planning activities to obtain input from others to develop and coordinate collaborative case plans.
• Trains, coaches, and supports Social Service Specialists in preparing court reports, court testimony, hearings, and proceedings.
• Provides staff with guidance and training on caseload and time management, case actions, appropriate assessment, and intervention techniques.
• Provides staff with guidance and training on applying the Safety Framework and Structured Decision-Making process to assess risk and safety through the life of a case.
• Places dependent children in foster or other approved placements (if necessary, for the most complex cases).
• Permanency Planning.
• Utilizes FamLink to document case activities and maintain case records/files.
• Prepares and files dependency petitions, guardianship petitions, and other legal documents related to the implementation of permanent plans.
• Prepares court reports, serves summonses, attends court hearings, and provides testimony in court.
• Produces Discovery.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Seven (7) years of paid social service experience * AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline. OR A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or Bachelor's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND three (3) years of paid social service experience*.
OR

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

(A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience).

OR
One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3. 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.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Child welfare experience in program areas: Child Protective Services (CPS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), Family Assessment Response (FAR), and Adoptions/Permanency.
• Master's in Social Work and completed practicum.
• Case management experience with mandatory clients.
• Knowledge of child development and/or family systems.
• Professional experience working with clients who have mental health or substance use disorders, developmental delays, or criminal behaviors.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying Child Welfare laws, rules, and policies, and delivering services accordingly.
• Experience with the agency's software program, FamLink.

How do I apply?

Complete your application profile and attach the following:

• Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes)
• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• Cover Letter

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 applicant's 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.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:


If you need 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.


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 Veteran's 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,
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.

2026-04689
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


SELF-ASSESSMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS- The following questions will be used to verify qualifications. Any variation in your answers verified through the review process may delay your application. You will be asked to verify your education and the information provided on your online application, including your responses. Accuracy is essential.

• I have read and certify that I understand this statement.

02


SSS4 level: From the required qualifications listed below, choose the answer that best describes how you qualify for this position.

• I have Seven years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline. (Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services).
• I have a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences OR a Bachelor's degree with 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND three (3) years of paid social service experience*.
• 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 two (2) years of paid social service experience*.
• I have a Master's degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences that included a PRACTICUM and one year (or more) of paid social service experience*
• I have one year (or more) of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
• I am already a Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4).
• I have none of the above.

03


Please briefly describe how you meet the required qualifications listed above. This experience and education should be listed on your application. Please do not write; see resume.
04


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

• Yes
• No

05


If you selected "yes" to the above question, please briefly describe below how you gained this experience. If no experience, write N/A.
06


If you participated in a DCYF Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) program, please select the answer that best reflects your status.

• Does not apply. - I have not participated in a DCYF CWTAP program.
• I have successfully completed a DCYF CWTAP program.
• I am currently participating in a DCYF CWTAP program and will be graduating in the next 60 days and have provided a letter of good standing from my university.

07


Do you have child welfare experience in program areas such as Child Protective Services (CPS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), Family Assessment Response (FAR), and/or Adoptions/Permanency?

• YES
• NO

08


(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

09


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

10


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

• Yes
• No

11


How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• 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