Placement Exception Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4)

Benefits

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: Placement Exception Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) Location: Vancouver, WA (Belonging House) Closes: 2025-12-22 Salary: $6,107.00 - $8,210.00 Monthly We are looking for a Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to lead a team of Social Service Specialists at the Vancouver Belonging House Placement Exception Facility.

Placement Exception Facilities provide short-term living options for foster youth, aged 13 to 18, who require supervision and do not currently have a placement. The Belonging House may serve up to seven youths, with a staff ratio of one Social Service Specialist or Support Specialist to three youths. If you have a passion for leadership and making a difference in your community, apply today.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

The Placement Exception Facility Social Service Support Specialist 4 (SSS4) functions as the lead of Social Service Specialists in the absence of the Social Service Specialist 5. The SSS 4 is expected to provide leadership, guidance, and support in the delivery of services to youth and staff, ensuring that all activities align with the program’s objectives and standards.

Some of what you'll do:

Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff.

Assign work, review work for efficiency, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy and compliance with policy.

Supervise youth with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs.

Report on strengths and opportunities of employees to their direct supervisor.

Serve as Lead Specialist assigned the most complex cases.

Report on strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor.

Provide feedback for annual performance evaluations and identify training needs.

Provide coverage for social service staff in their absence.

Fill in as supervisor in the supervisor’s absence.

What we're looking for

(Required Qualifications)

Seven years of paid social service experience. Paid Social Service experience must include at least one-year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline. OR One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3. OR A 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 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 two-year Master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one 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 three (3) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs. AND The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

Previously demonstrated case management experience. Previously demonstrated knowledge of child development and/or family systems. Previously demonstrated professional experience working with clients who have mental health problems, substance use disorder, developmental delays, or criminal behavior. Previously demonstrated ability to engage children and families under difficult circumstances, to gather information to make accurate and precise decisions. Previously demonstrated experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies and delivering services accordingly. Previously demonstrated familiarity with agency’s software programs, which include Outlook and FAMLINK.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following: Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes) Current resume detailing experience and education. Cover Letter 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 supervisory 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.

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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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.

The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position.

Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025 01

• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to the staff.
• Assign work, review work for efficiency, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy and compliance with policy.
• Supervise youth with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs.
• Report on strengths and opportunities of employees to their direct supervisor.
• Serve as Lead Specialist assigned the most complex cases.
• Provide feedback for annual performance evaluations and identify training needs.
• Provide coverage for social service staff in their absence.
• Fill in as supervisor in the supervisor’s absence.

• Seven years of paid social service experience.
• 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
• A 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 two (2) years of paid social service experience.

• Health insurance
• Paid leave
• Staff training and other compensation benefits