CPS/FAR and FVS Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3) - Bremerton
Salary
$64,776.00 - $91,464.00 Annually
Location
Kitsap County - Bremerton, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Job Number
2026-05882
Department
Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division
CW Field Operations - Region 5
Opening Date
07/22/2026
Closing Date
7/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."
Attention: We have two vacancies in our Bremerton Office: one in the CPS/FAR unit and one in the FVS unit.
Job Title: CPS/FAR/FVS - Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training (SSS3).
Location: Bremerton, WA - Region 5. Region Map. These full-time, permanent positions require time in the field and office. Travel is a requirement of this position. This position will travel within its assigned areas of work, travel with clients as cases require, and travel to attend trainings and meetings in other locations.
Salary: $64,776 - $91,464 annually. This position may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. This is 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.
Closing Date: 07/30/2026
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for two Social Service Specialists at the (SSS3) or (SSS2) level to work in the Family Assessment Response (FAR) unit, and one position will work in the Family Voluntary Services (FVS) Unit in Region 5, Bremerton Office. Although the goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3, we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with an in-training plan to advance to Social Service Specialist 3. If you want the opportunity to make a positive impact on children and families in need, apply today and join our dynamic Bremerton team!
Click here to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:
CPS/FAR: The CPS Specialist investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect and provides the appropriate recommendations and services for families. Under the CPS umbrella is FAR (Family Assessment Response). FAR is an alternative CPS pathway for families with low and moderate allegations of child abuse or neglect. Qualifying families may choose this pathway. Social Service Specialists work with families to keep children safe and build on their strengths to establish community support for long-term success. In this role, you will provide advanced-level specialized case management in high-profile or complex cases involving children. This position is considered a frontline department employee responsible for investigating and intervening with families where there are allegations of child abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment. As a frontline professional, your primary function is to determine if children are safe with their families, intervene to protect unsafe children, and develop case plans with the family to remedy the situation so families can safely parent. This position ensures timely permanency outcomes for all children on their caseload, including reunification, adoption, guardianship, and third-party custody plans. As a CPS/FAR Specialist, you will apply child welfare practice principles, laws, rules, and policy in assessing and intervening on the assigned workload.
FVS: The Child Protective Services (CPS) unit investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect and provides appropriate recommendations and services for families. This position performs advanced-level work in the assessment of families referred to FVS through CPS Investigations with a primary focus on child safety. The (FVS) Family Voluntary Specialist provides services to a caseload of families, allowing parents to voluntarily engage in services to increase their protective capacities and meet the child's safety, health, and well-being needs. In this role, you will evaluate family situations, interview children and families, assess child safety and risk, develop plans to protect children, offer services to keep children safely in the home, and provide advanced-level specialized case management in high-profile complex cases.
Some of what you will get to do:
Required Qualifications:
Social Service Specialist 2:
Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
OR
A Masters 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 a completed practicum.
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 One (1) year of paid social service experience.
OR
One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
AND
Social Service Specialist 3:
Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.
OR
A Masters 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 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.
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 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.
OR
One (1) year of experience* as a Social Service Specialist 2.
AND
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
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.
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.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Incumbent must attend all mandatory DCYF training, including Social Service Specialists Academy Training Institute and CHET-specific training requirements, within twelve months of initial appointment.
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.
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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/
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: Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).
If you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact DCYF Recruiter. If youre 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 Veterans 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, the 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 black out (redact) the Social Security Number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans' 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.
2026-05882
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. Thats 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 01-07-2026
01
SELF-ASSESSMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS- The following questions will be used to verify qualifications and to determine the appropriate job classification. Any variation in your answers verified through the review process may delay your application. You will be asked to verify your education and the information provided on your online application, including your responses. Accuracy is essential.
02
Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications:
03
Briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous question. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Answers such as "see application/resume/cover letter" will not be accepted.
04
Please list your level of education that you have "completed" and the field of study. (BA degree, MA degree, Doctorate, etc, and list your major/minor). EXAMPLE: I completed my Bachelors Degree in 2025 with a major in Criminology and a minor in Psychology.
05
If you have an unrelated degree outside of the Social Services, Human Services, or Behavioral Sciences field, please list all of your qualifying Social Services, Human Services, or Behavioral Sciences semester or quarter-hour related courses (be specific and do not write, see transcript). EXAMPLE: Sociology 101 (5 credits), Psychology 102 (10 credits), etc.
06
Please choose the answer that best describes your Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) participation.
07
For the SSS3 level: Paid social service experience must include at least one (1) year assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services. Do you have this experience?
08
If you selected "yes" to the above questions, please briefly describe below how you gained this experience. If no experience, write N/A.
09
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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. Are you willing to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment?
10
Do you have a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license?
11
For those that have degrees obtained outside of the U.S., I certify I that I have included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org.
12
DCYF - How did you hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov