LD/CPS Investigator | Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) (Non-Perm) - Vancouver

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."

Job Title: LD/ CPS Investigator | Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

Location: Vancouver, WA - Full-Time/Non-Permanent with an expected duration of one (1) year from the hire date.

Closes: Sunday, March 22nd, 2026

Salary: $5,666 - $7,622 Monthly

Notes:
*This position qualifies for the 10% assignment pay CPS Social Worker's receive.


We have an exciting opportunity in Region 6 for a Licensing Division/Child Protective Services (LD/CPS) Investigator (SSS3). This position will be based out of Vancouver Columbia Office.

This recruitment closes at 11:59 PM on March22nd, 2026.

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to join our hardworking Licensing Division team for our Social Service Specialist 3 position, to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, working toward the common goal of eliminating child and youth outcome disparities based on race and ethnicity.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

As the Social Service Specialist 3 LD/CPS Investigator, you will complete investigations in licensed facilities, unlicensed facilities, State regulated facilities, and facilities otherwise subject to licensure. Examples of these facilities include licensed foster homes, licensed in-home and center-based childcares, Juvenile Rehabilitation facilities, residential group homes as well as residential treatment facilities.

We believe in racial equity and social justice, and we want to create a diverse and equitable workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Studies have shown that women, people of color, and people with lived experience are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're excited about this role but you think your education and/or experience might not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway!

We believe in racial equity and social justice, and we want to create a diverse and equitable workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Studies have shown that women, people of color, and people with lived experience are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're excited about this role but you think your education and/or experience might not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway!

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in licensed facilities, unlicensed facilities subject to licensure and DCYF-regulated and licensed childcare facilities.
• Interview adults identified as subjects, collaterals or witnesses.
• Provide information to providers to support them through the investigative process.
• Conduct interviews of children and adults, coordinating investigations with foster home licensors.
• Coordinate investigations with law enforcement, medical professionals, community professionals, the Department of Children, Youth and Families, the Department of Social and Health Services, and other agencies as appropriate.
• Gather evidence to determine findings of abuse and/or neglect.
• Produce comprehensive, written investigative assessments that detail investigative activities, conclusions, recommendations for findings, issues/concerns, and risk of future harm to children.
• Provide occasional after-hours' coverage for LD/CPS investigations during holiday weekends, which may require extensive travel.
• Provide information to the licensor or designee as to issues and concerns for facilities licensed by the Licensing Division.
• Represent DCYF Licensing Division and provide testimony and documentation for proceedings in various venues involving criminal, civil, and administrative actions.
• Utilize FamLink to document case activities and maintain case records within policy, program, and handbook standards, accountability requirements, and agency’s documentation practice.
• Provide training and technical assistance to the provider, community and other divisions and agencies.

Required Qualifications:

• 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 Services discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.

• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.

AND

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

Note(s):
*One (1) year of paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

• Cover Letter
• Resume (current/updated)

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 requires a minimum of at least two (2) years 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.

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

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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 Veterans' 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 Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at veronica.jones@dcyf.wa.gov.

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.

2026-01876