Placement Exception Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) - Belonging House/Vancouver

Full Job Description

Job Title: Placement Exception Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2)

Location: Vancouver, WA (Belonging House)

Closes: 1/28/26

Salary: $5398 – $7254 Monthly

This recruitment has been reposted for additional applications. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply— your application status remains unchanged.

We are looking for a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) to join our Vancouver Belonging House team. Belonging House is a Placement Exception Facility that supports DCYF Dependent youth who present with complex issues and concerns. The facility may serve up to seven youths, with a staff ratio of one Social Service Specialist or Social Service Support Specialist to three youths. If you have a passion for making a difference in your community, apply today.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.



The Opportunity:
This position will play a key role in promoting positive youth development and improving outcomes for youth placed in Belonging House. It also is responsible for providing supervision, culturally appropriate emotional support, personal attention, and a structured daily routine. This position will require strong assessment and engagement skills to support youth with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs, while also calmly managing crisis situations through de-escalation techniques.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide youth supervision and monitoring.
• Transport youth to and from school and community-based appointments.
• Monitor and assess youth compliance with treatment, education, medical and wellbeing program requirements, and risk to self/others.
• Document breaches of security and behavioral incidents.
• Maintain a written account of each youth's daily activities and interactions during work shifts in FAMLINK.
• Manage weekly and monthly appointment calendar.
• Intervene with youth to de-escalate as appropriate.
• Conduct routine and random resident checks.
• Coordinate case planning activities for the youth with their assigned Social Service Specialist.
• Prepare, serve, and supervise meals.

What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
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

• 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.

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.

AND

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

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

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 recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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

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 black out (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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