Group Care Licensor (SSS3) - Spokane

State of Washington•Spokane County – Other, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Group Care Licensor is a Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) in the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Licensing Division and serves as a primary contact for licensed group care providers. The role performs advanced, culturally competent, solution-focused case management with minimal supervision and supports licensed programs including staffed residential homes, group homes, overnight youth shelters, group receiving centers, crisis residential centers, maternity services, resource and assessment centers, and emergency respite centers. The position applies a racial equity and social justice framework to develop, direct, and monitor social service programs for vulnerable children in out-of-home care. It ensures consistent application of Washington statutes, regulations, and agency policies while respecting the strengths, cultural identities, and communication styles of families and providers. The position is based in Spokane and is flexible/hybrid, with remote work possible. In-person attendance at the Spokane Central DCYF office is required for weekly or monthly meetings, IT or equipment support, or training. The role includes a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training after hire, including four weeks at the Seattle training site during scheduled weeks. Eligible travel costs for hotel accommodations and per diem are covered by DCYF. The position pays $69,348–$93,288 annually. Applicants must provide a resume, a cover letter addressing the specific qualifications, and college transcripts if applicable. The position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees. A background check is conducted before hire, and a valid driver’s license is required when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business.

Requirements

Meet one of the following experience and education pathways: six years of paid social service experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs, plus 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a social services discipline; or a qualifying bachelor’s degree plus two years of that paid experience; or a qualifying master’s degree plus one year of that paid experience; or one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
For the degree pathways, the degree must be in social services, human services, or behavioral sciences, or include 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.
Ability to take action to learn and grow and to meet the needs of others.
Successfully complete mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training.
Successfully complete formal training courses required by law, policy, and regional requirements within twelve months of initial appointment.
Hold a valid driver’s license when operating a state or privately owned vehicle on official state business.
Degrees must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA, or be a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization; foreign equivalency certification must be attached for degrees obtained outside the United States.

Nice To Haves

Work cooperatively with diverse populations.
Understand agency policies and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) requirements related to licensed facilities.
Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely, verbally and in writing, with management, peers, clients, and the public.
Use Microsoft Office and the FamLink database.

Responsibilities

Approve or deny applications to license or relicense group care facilities.
Conduct specialized reviews of child health and safety matters to assess potential risks and compliance.
Maintain communication with the Group Care Supervisor, attend monthly one-on-one staffing, and attend required unit meetings.
Evaluate programs to identify provider strengths and challenges, including reviewing policies and procedures, staff qualifications and references, personnel and child records, service and treatment plans, background-check results, placement suitability, facility and grounds, and compliance with licensing requirements.
Guide providers in assessing and improving the health and safety of children in out-of-home care, interpreting Washington policy and statute, correcting deficiencies, and maintaining licensure.
Direct the development and monitoring of facility policies and procedures.
Explain department policies and legal requirements to facility providers, families, individuals, and community members.
Process complaints and coordinate investigations of licensing violations with group care facility staff.
Assess child health and safety risks and licensing compliance, evaluate complaint information, determine findings, and identify the degree of risk and need for an emergent response.
Issue compliance agreements and monitor programs for compliance.
Use FamLink to document activities and maintain provider records according to program and manual standards, accountability requirements, and agency documentation practices.
Document services offered using Microsoft Word forms and letters.
Successfully complete required Worker Core Training and other formal training required by law, policy, and regional requirements.