INTERNAL ONLY Group Care Licensing Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) - Tumwater

Full Job Description

Job Title: INTERNAL ONLY CPS Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4). This position is open to current DCYF employees only.

Location: Tumwater, WA (Hybrid- Work will include a mixture of in-person, telework, and field work.)

Closes: 4/22/26

Salary: $73,284 - $98,520 Monthly

DCYF Licensing Division is looking for a Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to take the role of lead worker for Group Care Licensing and Residential Private Schools Licensing at our Tumwater Office. Our office is focused on child safety, staff retention, and creating a safe environment for our staff as they learn and develop their skills. If this sounds like a team you want to be a part of, apply today!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:
In this role, you will provide mentorship, on-the-job training, and assistance in the transition of staff from formal training to fieldwork related to Residential Private Schools and Group Care licensing. This position assigns work, conducts case reviews, and establishes procedures for efficient workflow. In the absence of the unit supervisor, this position will facilitate meetings and make decisions regarding case staffing. Additionally, you will onboard Group Care Providers and license Residential Private Schools.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff.
• Conduct on-the-job training and assistance with staff in formal training plans who are transitioning to fieldwork.
• Assign work, review work for efficiency, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy and compliance with policy.
• Conduct all duties needed to onboard Residential Private Schools and Group Care facilities from the inquiry process to licensure.
• Serve as Lead Specialist assigned to the most complex cases.
• Report on the strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor.
• Provide feedback for annual performance evaluations and identify training needs.
• Provide coverage of assigned caseloads.
• Complete physical facility inspections, interview caregivers, interview/observe children, and work with other professionals to achieve the goal of safe and healthy facility placements
• Assist Group Care Licensors as directed by the supervisor.
• Provide testimony and declarations at administrative hearings and other court proceedings related to licensing actions.

What we're looking for (Required Qualifications):

AND

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

*Paid social service experience must include: Two (2) years of paid social service experience assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services AND One (1) year of paid professional experience assessing care or providing counseling to children in foster care or residential settings AND One year of paid experience licensing or certifying foster homes, group homes, staffed residential homes or child placing agencies.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding of agency policies, WAC, and RCW related to licensed providers and contracts.
• Previously demonstrated ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances, to gather information to make accurate and precise decisions.
• Previously demonstrated experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies, and delivering services accordingly.
• Previously demonstrated familiarity with the agency’s software programs, which include Outlook and FAMLINK.

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

• Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes)
• Resume
• 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.

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.

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.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission).

If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge.

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.

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.

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