Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) - Yakima
State of Washington
FreshPosted Jan 14
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Posted: January 14, 2026 (1 day ago)
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RFQ - Social Worker or Social Service Worker for Indigent Parents in Dependency Cases
State of Washington
Office of Public Defense
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
From $99,000
per year
Type
Full Time
More Social Services jobs →Closes
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SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This contract position involves providing social work support to low-income parents facing child dependency cases in Washington state's court system, helping them navigate legal proceedings related to child welfare and potential loss of parental rights.
A good fit would be someone with a background in social services who is empathetic, skilled at communicating with diverse clients, and experienced in child welfare issues.
The role is full-time in Whatcom County, offering about 160 hours per month for $99,000 annually.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, human services, or related field (may be waived for exceptional candidates)
- Experience in child welfare cases, either professionally or through lived experience
- Strong ability to communicate effectively with indigent clients
- Professional communication skills with child welfare stakeholders
- Proven history of providing excellent, culturally competent client representation
- Availability for full-time contract (160 hours per month) in Whatcom County
Full Job Description
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Social Worker or Social Service Worker for
Indigent Parents in Dependency Cases
RFQ 26006
RFQ 26006
[BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE
DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS]
The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Parents Representation Program (PRP) currently provides state funded attorney representation and social work/social services specialist support services to indigent parents, custodians and legal guardians involved in child dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings in all 39 Washington counties. OPD is requesting applications for social worker or social services worker in the following counties:
Whatcom County: One full-time contract.
The contract caseload for a full-time social work/social services specialist is 160 hours per month with an annual compensation of $99,000.
If interested, follow the application procedures below:
Qualifications
The following qualifications are preferred:• Bachelor or masters degree in social work, sociology, psychology, human services or related field. This qualification may be waived for exceptional candidates.
• Experience in child welfare cases as a professional and/or lived experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with indigent clients.
• Ability to communicate professionally with child welfare stakeholders.
• History of providing excellent, culturally competent representation of clients.
Additional Information
Application ProcedureApplications will be accepted until positions are filled. To apply, email a letter of interest identifying your qualifications, counties in which you are interested, a resume, and three references.
Application Close Date: Until the position is filled.
Email materials to:
Parents Representation Program Assistants
ParentsRepAdmin@opd.wa.gov
Please address any questions to:
Shrounda Selivanoff, Chief of Parent Representation Initiatives
Shrounda.Selivanoff@opd.wa.gov
OPD reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the state of Washington or OPD to contract for the services specified here.
The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 years of age, persons of disability, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans are encouraged to apply.
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes