Social Service Support Specialist (SSSS) - Aspire House/Centralia

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: Social Service Support Specialist (SSSS)

Location: Centralia, WA / Aspire House. (In the event of staff shortages, this position may be required to use a state vehicle to travel to other Placement Exception Facilities or DCYF field offices)

Closes: 2/3/26

Salary: $21.56 - $28.80 hourly

We are looking for a Social Service Support Specialist (SSSS) to join our team at the Centralia Aspire House Exception Facility. Placement Exception Facilities provide short-term living options for foster youth, aged 13 to 18, with high behavioral and mental health concerns who require high-level supervision and do not currently have a placement. These facilities can accommodate up to seven youth, with a staff-to-youth ratio of one SSS or support specialist for every three youth. Would you like a career where you make a significant difference in the lives of children? If so, apply today.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:
This Social Service Support Specialist functions as direct care staff to youth staying at Aspire House and is tasked with providing appropriate supervision, emotional support, personal attention, and managing structured daily routines for the youth. This position will require the use of strong assessment, engagement, and de-escalation skills to support youth with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs. The Social Service Support Specialist will always model positive pro-social behavior with youth and staff in Placement Exception Facilities.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Provide supervision and monitoring of all Aspire House youth.
• Transport/monitor youth to and from school and community-based appointments.
• Provide therapeutic engagement, including free play and directed activities.
• Coach, mentor, and teach life skills.
• Manage weekly/monthly appointment calendar.
• Prepare, serve, and supervise meals.
• Complete documentation in FAMLINK

Required Qualifications:
One year of paid/unpaid experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, supervised volunteer experience in youth/child-oriented organizations, counseling youth, education, or home visitations.
OR
Two years of social service education from an accredited post-high school program may substitute for experience (30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline).
AND

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

Note: The incumbent must successfully obtain a Washington State Food Handler card within 14 days of employment.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree and one year of experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, supervised volunteer experience in youth/child-oriented organizations, counseling youth, education, and home visitations
• Previous demonstrated experience using FAMLINK.
• Previous demonstrated work experience in preparing records.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• College transcripts - if applicable to qualifications (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes.)

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 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.

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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