After Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Tacoma

healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community. Description 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”. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for a Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) or Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) in training to provide case management services to clients and families in the After-hours Unit, Region 5, Tacoma Office. We are seeking a Social Service professional with excellent child welfare assessment skills. Job Details Job Title: After-Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training (SSS3). Location: Tacoma, WA – Region 5. The After-Hours Unit is located in Tacoma and provides coverage to Region 5. This position requires time in the field and in the office. Travel is required in Pierce and Kitsap Counties and other areas as needed. Schedule: Friday (4 pm to 2:30 am), Saturday (1 pm to 11:30 pm), Sunday (11 am to 9:30 pm), Monday (4 pm to 2:30 am). Contract: Full-time, Permanent. Salary: $66,072 - $93,288. Annually. Assignment Pay: These positions may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. This is 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. Closing Date: 10/14/2026. Opportunity In this role, you will be assigned Child Protective Services (CPS) initial intakes and assess for present danger. As an After-Hours Social Service Specialist, your role is to assist during non-business hours. After-hours staff respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect during the times DCYF offices are closed. Local offices are closed from 5 pm to 8 am daily, on weekends, and on all holidays, but the need to assist children still exists. Our after-hours team works when offices are closed in the evenings, on weekends, overnights, and holidays. This position provides After-hours assistance for Child Protective Services (CPS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), and Family Voluntary Services (FVS). Responsibilities Placement of child(ren) in either foster care or relative care in emergent situations. Respond to after-hours emergent calls concerning maltreatment of children. Responsible for placement of child(ren) in emergent situations. Assess risk and safety of child(ren), coordinating safe placement of children when determined appropriate. Interview children, families, and collaterals such as law enforcement, probation/parole counselors, school, medical, and mental health professionals. Investigate and evaluate reports of child abuse and/or neglect in compliance with RCW, WAC, and DCYF policy. Provide ongoing risk assessment of the family and take appropriate action to protect children, correct parental deficits through services, and provide support to the family. Make face-to-face contact on 24-hour and 72-hour intakes. Respond to crisis situations of DCYF children who are placed in either foster care or relative care. Meet required timeframes and complete documentation/paperwork in FAMLINK. Work collaboratively with other social workers within other units and offices. Attend staff meetings and mandatory training. Attend and testify in court; respond to subpoenas. Required Qualifications Social Service Specialist 2: Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND you must have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline. A Master’s degree in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences, or a Master’s degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND a completed practicum. A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a Bachelor’s degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience. One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1). The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. 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. 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*. A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a 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*. One year as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2). The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. For the SSS3 level: Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Preferred/Desired Qualifications The most desirable qualification is prior public child welfare experience. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work with a completed practicum. Prior case management experience with mandatory clients. Professional experience working with clients who have mental health problems, substance use disorder, developmental delays, or criminal behaviors. Experience assessing risk and safety regarding child abuse and neglect concerns or developing safety and service plans with families. Knowledge of child welfare laws, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of child development and/or family systems. Knowledge and familiarity with local community services and resources. Prior experience displaying critical thinking skills and the use of shared decision-making. Strong skills in time management and organization, and the ability to develop independent systems to manage large workloads. Ability to make critical decisions, based on integration of information from multiple sources that may be discrepant, in high-stress situations. Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing. Experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies, and delivering services accordingly. Able to partner effectively with clients, caregivers, colleagues, and other professionals. Prior experience using FamLink case management system and documenting casework information within timeframes. Familiarity with the agency’s software programs, which include Outlook and SACWIS/CCWIS. 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. 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. Incumbent must attend all mandatory DCYF training, including After-Hours CORE Training provided by the Alliance and other training as needed within one year of initial employment. 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. 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). 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. 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington