INTERNAL ONLY Licensing Division-CPS Investigator (SSS3) - Region 1/Spokane

Full Job Description

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community."

Attention: **INTERNAL ONLY: This position is open to current DCYF employees only.**

Job Title: INTERNAL ONLY - Licensing Division/CPS Investigator - Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3).

Location: Spokane, WA - Region 1 LD. (Region Map). This full-time, permanent position requires time in the field and the office.

A large percentage of time is spent in field work in the community and licensed facilities. Travel is a requirement of this position.

This position will travel within its assigned areas of work and travel to attend trainings and meetings as required.

Closes: 03/29/2026

Salary: $5,666 - $7,622 Monthly. Assignment Pay: This position will receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3.

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, and to assess the safety of vulnerable children.

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to join our hardworking Licensing Division team as a CPS Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3). The location of this position will be in Region 1, based out of the Spokane Central Office. CPS Investigations will be conducted with a focus on child safety and risk assessment while maintaining cultural awareness and the strengths of the family dynamic. If you have child welfare experience, apply today and join our Region 1 - Licensing Division.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

The Social Services Specialist 3 position works within the Licensing Division (LD), Region One. This position receives little supervision, and the incumbent exercises independent judgment in devising their own work methods to provide an advanced level of specialized, culturally competent, and solution-focused case management. As the Social Service Specialist 3 investigator, you will conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in licensed facilities, unlicensed facilities subject to licensure, residential boarding schools, Department of Health mental health facilities, substance use disorder residential facilities, and DCYF-regulated and licensed childcare facilities providing care for children, including a focus on strengths in the family and cultural beliefs and values. The Social Services Specialist is responsible for meeting all casework management directives as required by law, policy, and other mandates, including but not limited to meeting timeframes for Initial face-to-face and collateral contacts, investigative assessments, and provider actions.


Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct child abuse and neglect investigations on licensed facilities, unlicensed facilities subject to licensure, and DCYF-regulated facilities and licensed childcare facilities.
• Interview children identified as victims, adults identified as subjects, collaterals, or witnesses.
• Provide information to providers to support them through the investigative process.
• Coordinate investigations with law enforcement, medical professionals, community professionals, DCYF, Department of Social and Health Services, and other agencies as appropriate.
• Conduct interviews of children and adults, coordinating investigations with foster home licensors. Investigations may involve inspections of physical facilities and grounds.
• Gather evidence to make determinations of violations of the Washington Administrative Code.
• Provide information to the licensor or designee to remedy deficits.
• Gather evidence to determine findings of abuse and/or neglect.
• Produce comprehensive, written investigative assessments.
• Provide information to licensors or designees as to issues and concerns for facilities licensed by LD.
• Recommend referrals to DCYF- Field Operations for ongoing services.
• Utilize FamLink to document case activities and maintain case records within policy, program, and Investigating Child Abuse and Neglect in State-Regulated Care handbook standards, accountability requirements, and the agency’s documentation practice.
• Maintain professional communication with other DCYF staff, providers, stakeholders, and law enforcement.
• Represent DCYF LD and provide testimony and documentation for proceedings in various venues involving criminal, civil, and administrative actions.
• Provide training and technical assistance to the provider community, other divisions, and agencies.

Required Qualifications:

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.
OR
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*.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or 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*.
OR
One year as a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2).
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 at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

• College Transcripts -If applicable. (An unofficial copy is acceptable for applying.)
• Cover Letter
• Current Resume

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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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.

Must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within twelve months of initial 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.

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

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, click here.

If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, 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.

2026-02244