INTERNAL ONLY CHET Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Spokane Valley

Job Title: INTERNAL ONLY CHET Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) This position is open to current DCYF employees only.

Location: Spokane Valley, WA (Hybrid - Work will include a mixture of in-person, telework, and field work.)

Closes: 11/03/26

Salary: $66,072 - $93,288 Annually

We're looking for a proactive Child Health and Education Tracking (CHET) Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) to join our amazing Spokane Valley team. Our office excels at teamwork, including cross-program communication, collaboration, and assistance. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality services to the children and families we serve. If you are passionate about caring for children and providing them support, apply today!

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

CHET Social Service Specialists conduct interviews, gather records, and use standardized assessment tools to write comprehensive screening reports for children in the first 30 days of out-of-home placement in accordance with laws, regulations, and Child Health and Education Tracking program guidelines. This position will identify and organize essential and appropriate information about the health and well-being of children in the care and custody of the Child Welfare System. CHET screeners review children's current health and well-being and identify short- and long-term needs, including physical health, development, education, emotional/behavioral health, and social/family/community connections.

Some of what you'll do:

• Within 30 days of a child's placement in an out-of-home care setting, complete an age-appropriate face-to-face child interview, observe the child, and administer standardized screening tools to screen for the child's level of functioning across five domains (physical, developmental, family/social, educational, and emotional/behavioral).
• Contact caregivers to ensure Well Child Exam (WCE) and dental exams for all children are completed within DCYF policy timeframes.
• Prepare a professionally written, well-documented, and objective report/summary of the child’s well-being needs within 30 days of the child entering placement.
• Review existing case records to ensure all necessary data is obtained for completion of the CHET report.
• Explain and clarify DCYF policies, RCWs, and WACs to families, individuals, and members of the community.
• Conduct information-gathering interviews with educational professionals, health care providers, caregivers, community professionals, parents, children, and other social workers.
• Request, review, and summarize records from educational, developmental, and health care providers (medical/dental/mental health).
• Transport children; must have the ability to lift and carry small children (up to 25 lbs), install car seats appropriately, and place/secure children in car seats.
• Participate in Youth & Family Meetings to discuss the results of the CHET screening report.
• Document case activities and maintain case records in FamLink according to DCYF Policy 43092.

Salary Ranges:

The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.

• Social Service Specialist 2: Range 57 ($66,072– $88,788)
• Social Service Specialist 3: Range 59 ($69,348- $93,288)

What we are looking for at each level:
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

• 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 completed practicum.

OR

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

Social Service Specialist 3:

• Six (6) 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 that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience*.

OR

• Master'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

• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2

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

*Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Prior public child welfare experience.
• Case management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate child and mental health development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of addiction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery principles, and/or experience working with individuals with substance use disorder.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus with families, community partners, and professionals around difficult or sensitive topics.
• Experience assessing risk and safety concerning child abuse and neglect, and the importance of caregiving relationships that are foundational to the safety and development of a child.
• Ability to organize information to meet FAMLINK documentation requirements.

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 in child development

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 goal 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: .

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.

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.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. 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.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.