After Hours Social Service Specialist In-Training 1-3 (SSS3) - Ellensburg

Full Job Description

Job Title: After-Hours Social Service Specialist In-Training 1-3 (SSS3)

Location: Ellensburg, WA – On-Call. These offices are closed from 5 pm to 8 am each day, on weekends, and on all holidays, but the need to assist children still exists.

The number of hours worked per week will vary depending on the number of calls received and the number of days you are available to work.

You will only need to be on-call if you are scheduled to work, based on the calendar that you help create. This position offers scheduling flexibility based on your availability.

The incumbent will need to be available for a rapid, in-person response within Kittitas County.

Closes: 12/24/25

Salary: $27.52 - $43.80 Hourly. 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.

We're looking for After-Hours Social Service Specialists (SSS3) to join our Ellensburg office and help protect children, youth, and families.

The Opportunity:

As a DCYF After-Hours Social Service Specialist, you will assist Region 2 during non-business hours. You will respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect when local Division of Children and Family Service offices are closed.

Some of what you'll do:

What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, however, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 1 and 2 levels, with two different options to meet the qualifications through an In-Training plan.

In-Training Plan Option #1 - Experience with Required Credits OR Degree with the Required Credits
Applicants applying under this training option must have at least 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 - Experience or Degree without the Required Credits
This option is for applicants who have 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.

This option is great for candidates who have some or most of the required credits and only need to complete a few classes to meet this requirement. Applicants who apply under this hiring option will begin employment at the Social Service Specialist 1 level and must complete the educational course requirements within 18 months of hire to advance to the next in-training step.

AND


1. The ability to take action to learn and grow.
2. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.




Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to appropriately apply child safety and risk assessment to a variety of complex situations involving child abuse and neglect and imminent risk of serious harm.
• Prior experience displaying critical thinking skills and the use of shared decision-making.
• Prior experience using FAMLINK case management system and documenting casework information, within timeframes.



Salary Ranges:


• A Social Service Specialist 3 at Range 58 makes $32.56 - $43.80/hr.
• A Social Service Specialist 2 at Range 56 makes $31.02 - $41.69/hr.
• A Social Service Specialist 1 at Range 51 makes $27.42 – $36.86/hr.


How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

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

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 is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This position requires a minimum of at least two 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.

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 blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter.

If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

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