CFWS Social Service Specialist 1-3 In Training (SSS3) - Kelso

State of Washington • Cowlitz County – Kelso, WA

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

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". This position is for a Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS) Social Service Specialist (SSS3) in Kelso, WA. The office environment excels at team support, including cross-program communication and assistance, and collaborative supervision. The role involves assessing complex family situations, interviewing children and parents, evaluating child safety, developing plans to protect children in their homes, and offering services to children and families. The salary listed does not include the 2% general wage increase effective July 1, 2026. This position may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3.

Requirements

• In-Training Plan Option #1: Four (4) years of on the job social service experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Social Service, Human Service, or Behavioral Science, or any completed Bachelor's degree field that included 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
• Social Service Specialist 1: Four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations 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 any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline; no experience necessary.
• Social Service Specialist 2: Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline OR Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience OR 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 completed practicum.
• Social Service Specialist 3: Six (6) 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 any degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience OR Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience OR One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• 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-Training Plan Option #2: Four (4) years of paid work experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, counseling youth, education, or home visitations and do not have 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire OR applicants who have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an unrelated field and do not have the required 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in the social service field but are willing to obtain them within 18 months of hire.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Case management experience.
• Knowledge of social casework principles and practices, risk assessment and decision-making, interviewing techniques, solution-based casework, principles of child development, applicable Federal and State laws, and community resources.
• Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect or developing safety or service plans with families.
• Familiarity with community resources and the local community.
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, assess, and evaluate reports of child abuse.
• Interview children, family members, caregivers, and collateral sources to gather information necessary to assess child safety and determine the service needs of the family.
• Provide ongoing safety and risk assessment of the family throughout the life of the case and take appropriate action to protect children, correct parental deficits through services, and provide support to the family.
• Provide comprehensive and ongoing assessment of casework needs for child, parent(s)/guardian, and foster parent(s) with a focus and priority on child safety.
• Assess the need for out-of-home placement, and work with the family to find the most appropriate placement.
• Monitor the health and safety of children through regular visitation.
• Utilize FAMLINK to document case activities and maintain case records.
• Prepare and document cases for court proceedings.
• Perform 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.

Benefits

• Team support
• Cross-program communication and assistance
• Collaborative supervision
• Hotel accommodations and per diem costs covered for training (if eligible for travel)
• E-Verify program participation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level