CPS Lead Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) - Tacoma
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Tacoma, WA 98444
Description:
Salary: $5,783.00 - $7,779.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-14025
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: CW Field Operations - Region 5
Opening Date: 02/24/2025
Closing Date: 3/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Attention: This recruitment has been reposted for additional applicants. There is no need to reapply if you have already applied- your application status remains unchanged.
Job Title: CPS Lead - Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4).
Location: Tacoma, WA - Region 5. This full-time, permanent position requires time in the field and the office; full-time teleworking is not an option. Travel is a requirement of this position; which includes travel within the assigned areas of work, travel with clients as cases require, and attending training and meetings in other locations.
Closes: 03/10/2025
Salary: $5,783 - $7,779 Monthly. This position will also receive 10% assignment pay in addition to the regular base salary; the required duties include performing visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect to assess the safety of vulnerable children.
Our Tacoma Office is seeking a Lead Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to provide mentorship, guidance, and training to a team of Social Services Specialists in the Child Protective Services (CPS) unit. The ideal candidate should possess exceptional leadership skills, prior child welfare experience, and advanced risk assessment abilities. If this sounds like you, apply today and join our supportive team in Tacoma!
to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:
As a Social Service Specialist 4, you will lead a team of Social Service Specialist staff in providing professional social services involved with Child Welfare Field Operations programs, which include Child Protective Services (CPS)/Investigations, Family Assessment Response (FAR), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), and Family Reconciliation Services (FRS). You will assign work, review cases, establish and maintain procedures for efficient workflow, and act as unit supervisor in the absence of the supervisor. Your role will require you to utilize cultural competency to understand and communicate with staff, clients, and other individuals from different cultures.
Some of what you'll do:
Required Qualifications:
Seven (7) 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 Bachelor's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service 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.
OR
Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or Master's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service 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
One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
*Paid Social Service experience must include at least one (1) year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
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. For Degrees obtained outside the U.S.: Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
How do I apply?
In addition to completing the online application, please attach the following documents:
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.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
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 valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver's license.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit:
If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact . If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
2024 - 14025
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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Please choose from the following, how you qualify for this position.
02
Do you have the required one year of paid experience assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.?
03
If you selected "yes" to the above question, please briefly describe below how you gained this experience. If no experience, write N/A.
04
Are you a current and active employee with the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)?
05
Which of the following best describes your experience in areas of Child Welfare programs such as CPS, CFWS, FAR, FVS, FRS, or others?
06
(For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?
07
Do you have a valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver's license?
08
This position requires a criminal background check prior to employment. 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. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?
09
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Location : Pierce County - Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-14025
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: CW Field Operations - Region 5
Opening Date: 02/24/2025
Closing Date: 3/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Attention: This recruitment has been reposted for additional applicants. There is no need to reapply if you have already applied- your application status remains unchanged.
Job Title: CPS Lead - Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4).
Location: Tacoma, WA - Region 5. This full-time, permanent position requires time in the field and the office; full-time teleworking is not an option. Travel is a requirement of this position; which includes travel within the assigned areas of work, travel with clients as cases require, and attending training and meetings in other locations.
Closes: 03/10/2025
Salary: $5,783 - $7,779 Monthly. This position will also receive 10% assignment pay in addition to the regular base salary; the required duties include performing visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect to assess the safety of vulnerable children.
Our Tacoma Office is seeking a Lead Social Service Specialist 4 (SSS4) to provide mentorship, guidance, and training to a team of Social Services Specialists in the Child Protective Services (CPS) unit. The ideal candidate should possess exceptional leadership skills, prior child welfare experience, and advanced risk assessment abilities. If this sounds like you, apply today and join our supportive team in Tacoma!
to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:
As a Social Service Specialist 4, you will lead a team of Social Service Specialist staff in providing professional social services involved with Child Welfare Field Operations programs, which include Child Protective Services (CPS)/Investigations, Family Assessment Response (FAR), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), and Family Reconciliation Services (FRS). You will assign work, review cases, establish and maintain procedures for efficient workflow, and act as unit supervisor in the absence of the supervisor. Your role will require you to utilize cultural competency to understand and communicate with staff, clients, and other individuals from different cultures.
Some of what you'll do:
- Serve as the lead worker assigned to the most complex cases determined by the supervisor or Area Administrator.
- Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, feedback, coaching, and consultation to Social Service Specialists (1-3) and perform advanced specialized case management.
- Support with onboarding of new staff.
- Assist in transitioning Social Service Specialists from a formal training program to fieldwork.
- In conjunction with the supervisor, assign work, review work for efficacy, use data to identify trends, and review case actions for accuracy.
- Report strengths and weaknesses of employees to their direct supervisor, provide feedback for annual performance evaluations, and identify training needs.
- Provide coverage of assigned caseloads in the absence of social service specialists.
- In the supervisor's absence, attend meetings and provide supervisory coverage.
- Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.
- Train and support Social Service Specialists in preparing court reports, testimony, hearings, and proceedings.
Required Qualifications:
Seven (7) 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 Bachelor's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service 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.
OR
Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or Master's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service 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
One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
*Paid Social Service experience must include at least one (1) year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
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. For Degrees obtained outside the U.S.: Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
- Child welfare experience in multiple program areas: Child Protective Services (CPS), Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Voluntary Services (FVS), Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), and/or Permanency/Adoptions.
- Case management experience.
- Knowledge of child development and family systems.
- Professional experience working with clients who have mental health or substance use disorder, developmental delays, or criminal behavior.
- Experience researching, interpreting, and applying laws, rules, and policies and delivering services accordingly.
- Familiarity with the agency's software programs, which include Outlook, Excel, and FamLink.
How do I apply?
In addition to completing the online application, please attach the following documents:
- Current Resume
- Cover Letter
- College Transcripts - an unofficial copy is acceptable for application.
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.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
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 valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver's license.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility visit:
If you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact . If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
2024 - 14025
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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Please choose from the following, how you qualify for this position.
- I have Seven (7) years of paid social service experience* AND I have completed 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
- I have completed a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or Master's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND I have 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.
- I have a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or a Master's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND I have completed a practicum AND I have 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.
- I have completed a Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or Bachelor's degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND I have 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.
- I have One (1) year or more as a Social Service Specialist 3.
- I am already an SSS4- Social Service Specialist 4.
- I have none of the above.
02
Do you have the required one year of paid experience assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.?
- Yes
- No
03
If you selected "yes" to the above question, please briefly describe below how you gained this experience. If no experience, write N/A.
04
Are you a current and active employee with the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF)?
- Yes
- No
05
Which of the following best describes your experience in areas of Child Welfare programs such as CPS, CFWS, FAR, FVS, FRS, or others?
- I have 4 or more years of experience.
- I have 3-4 years of experience.
- I have 2-3 years of experience.
- I have 1-2 years of experience.
- I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
- I do not have this experience.
06
(For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?
- Yes
- No
- Does not apply
07
Do you have a valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver's license?
- Yes
- No
08
This position requires a criminal background check prior to employment. 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. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?
- Yes
- No
09
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
- WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
- WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
- Washington State Employee Referral
- DCYF Employee Referral
- DCYF Jobs Page
- Monster
- College/university career fair or website
- VERG
- Advertisement
- CareerBuilder
- Diversity Jobs
- Handshake
- Movie Theatre
- Other
Required Question