LD/CPS Investigator | Social Service Specialist 3

Salary: $5,666.00 - $7,622.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Kent, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2025-08920
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Licensing
Opening Date: 12/24/2025
Closing Date: 1/3/2026 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 academically, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: LD/ CPS Investigator | Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)
Location: Kent, WA - Full-Time/Remote Optional. Although the position is based out of Kent, the position is flexible therefore, the incumbent may work at a location in Seattle or Kent.

Closes: Saturday, January 3rd, 2026

Salary: $5,666 - $7,622 Monthly - King County Premium: The salary listed does not include the additional 5% premium granted to all King County employees. This position will also receive 10% assignment pay. 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.

The mission of the Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF) is to protect children and strengthen families so they flourish.

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated professional to join our hardworking Licensing Division team as a Social Service Specialist 3.
Click here to learn more about
The Opportunity:
As the Social Service Specialist 3 investigator, you will complete investigations in licensed facilities, unlicensed facilities, State regulated facilities and facilities otherwise subject to licensure. Examples of these facilities include licensed foster homes, licensed in-home and center based child cares, Juvenile Rehabilitation facilities, residential group homes as well as residential treatment facilities.

We believe in racial equity and social justice, and we want to create a diverse and equitable workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Studies have shown that women, people of color, and people with lived experience are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're excited about this role but you think your education and/or experience might not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct child abuse and neglect investigations in licensed facilities, unlicensed facilities subject to licensure and DCYF-regulated and licensed childcare facilities.
• Interview adults identified as subjects, collaterals or witnesses.
• Provide information to providers to support them through the investigative process.
• Conduct interviews of children and adults, coordinating investigations with foster home licensors.
• Coordinate investigations with law enforcement, medical professionals, community professionals, the Department of Children, Youth and Families, the Department of Social and Health Services, and other agencies as appropriate.
• Gather evidence to determine findings of abuse and/or neglect.
• Produce comprehensive, written investigative assessments that detail investigative activities, conclusions, recommendations for findings, issues/concerns, and risk of future harm to children.
• Provide occasional after-hours' coverage for LD/CPS investigations during holiday weekends, which may require extensive travel.
• Provide information to the licensor or designee as to issues and concerns for facilities licensed by the Licensing Division.
• Represent DCYF Licensing Division and provide testimony and documentation for proceedings in various venues involving criminal, civil, and administrative actions.
• Utilize FamLink to document case activities and maintain case records within policy, program, and handbook standards, accountability requirements, and agency's documentation practice.
• Provide training and technical assistance to the provider, community and other divisions and agencies.

Required Qualifications:

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

OR

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

OR

• A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any 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

• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any 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.

AND

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

Note(s):
*One (1) year of paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively partner with, communicate, and comprehend with diverse populations, management, peers, clients, community, colleagues and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend, interpret and apply current applicable laws, rules and policies on delivery of child protective and child welfare services within Washington State and deliver services accordingly.
• Demonstrated skills in utilizing MS Office (Word and Outlook) and FamLink database.

How do I apply? In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter
• Resume (current/updated)

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 position requires a minimum of at least two (2) years driving experience and a valid driver's license.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information, visit .

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
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 Veterans' Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible,

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at 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 the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (360) 664-1960.

2025-08920
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, 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

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

Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position?

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience* AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
• One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A 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* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• A 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* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs.
• None of the above.

02

Do you have a minimum of one (1) year of paid experience assessing risk and safety in children, youth, and/or families?

• Yes
• No

03

Which of the following best describes your experience gathering evidence to determine findings of abuse and/or neglect?

• I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
• I have 1-2 years of experience.
• I have 2-3 years of experience.
• I have 3-4 years of experience.
• I have 4-5 years of experience.
• I have 5-6 years of experience.
• I have 6-7 years of experience.
• I have 7-8 years of experience.
• I have 8-9 years of experience.
• I have 9-10 years of experience.
• I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
• I have none of the above.

04

Which of the following best describes your experience working directly with diverse populations?

• I have LESS than 1 year of experience.
• I have 1-2 years of experience.
• I have 2-3 years of experience.
• I have 3-4 years of experience.
• I have 4-5 years of experience.
• I have 5-6 years of experience.
• I have 6-7 years of experience.
• I have 7-8 years of experience.
• I have 8-9 years of experience.
• I have 9-10 years of experience.
• I have MORE than 10 years of experience.
• I have none of the above.

05

Which of the following best describes your experience conducting child abuse and neglect investigations in licensed and unlicensed facilities?

• I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
• I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
• I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
• I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
• I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
• I have six (6) to seven (7) years of this experience.
• I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
• I have eight (8) to nine (9) years of this experience.
• I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience.
• I have MORE than ten (10) years of this experience.
• I have none of the above.

06

Which of the following best describes your experience conducting interviews of children and adults, and coordinating investigations with foster home licensors?

• I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
• I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
• I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
• I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
• I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
• I have six (6) to seven (7) years of this experience.
• I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
• I have eight (8) to nine (9) years of this experience.
• I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience.
• I have MORE than ten (10) years of this experience.
• I have none of the above.

07

If claiming veteran's preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?

• Yes
• No
• Does not apply

08

Do you have a minimum of at least two (2) years driving experience and a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

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 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

10

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
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Advertisement
• CareerBuilder
• Diversity Jobs
• Handshake
• Other

Required Question

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