INTERNAL ONLY Relative Search Specialist | Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) Olympia

Thurston County, WA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 5812 - 7622

Posted on: 10 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Our vision is to ensure that Washington states children and youth grow up safe and healthythriving physically emotionally and academically nurtured by family and community.

Attention:**INTERNAL ONLY: This position is open to current DCYF employees only.**

Job Title: Relative Search Specialist Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)
Location: Olympia WA - This position is Full-Time/Flexible/Hybrid. Occasional travel may be necessary for meetings and trainings.
Closes: Thursday January 15th 2026
Salary:$5812 - $7622 Monthly

Were looking for a Relative Search Specialist (SSS3)to join our team toprovide additional services to families working toward the common goal of eliminating child and youth outcome disparities based on race and ethnicity.

Click here to learn more aboutDCYF.

The Opportunity:
Our Relative Search Unitis looking for a motivated individual who is passionate about supporting the safety and wellbeing of children and families. This position primarily focuses on the placement of children who are in DCYF care with their relatives. Placing with childrens kin increases safety permanency and wellbeing for children in care. Federal law requires DCYF to exercise due diligence in identifying and notifying adult relatives within 30 days after a childs removal from the custody of their parent or guardian. The notice must include options for the relative to participate in the care and placement of the child.

If you are passionate about caring for children and providing them the support they desperately need ensuring they are being provided the comfort that their best interests are at heart our Social Service Specialist 3 may be your next career.

Some of what you will get to do:

Perform extensive and thorough searches to identify relatives as defined by RCW 74.15.020.
Notify all identified relatives in writing via USPS putting forth best efforts to ensure communication is sent in the relatives first language.
Communicate with relatives who respond to the letter and questionnaire. Providing a brief explanation of Public Law 110-351 requiring notification to all adult relatives when a child is placed in out-of-home care within 30 days of placement a general statement regarding the childs need of protection resulting in placement into State care an overview of the dependency process and the interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC) process to out-of-state relatives.
Consult with the Assistant Attorney General(AAG) on specific cases as needed.
Expedite high profile Administrative Incident Reporting System (AIRS) or legally free cases per request.
Provide coaching and education to field staff regarding federal requirements and WA State policies related to Relative Search.
Bridge responding relatives to the assigned caseworker and supervisor to promote contact being made to ensure familial connections are maintained.
Respond to difficult stressful and/or sensitive communication with relatives and parents in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintains the dignity of all among internal and external stakeholders.
Meet all deadlines for both daily and special assignments.
Collaborate with Relative Engagement Unit and regionally identified liaisons on identified cases requiring higher-level support.

Required Qualifications:

One year as a Social Service Specialist 2

A Bachelors degree in social services behavioral sciences or an allied field and two (2) years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

A Masters degree in social services behavioral sciences or an allied field and one (1) year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years.

AND

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

NOTE: A two-year Masters degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

In addition to those required qualifications our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

Working knowledge of and experience in implementation of DCYF Policy 4251 Public Law 110-351 Fostering Connections to Success and RCW 74.15.020.
Previous demonstrated knowledge of social services practice and WA State dependency process.
Previous demonstrated experience with FamLink ACES Barcode and other search databases.

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 Washingtons 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.

This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law policy and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans 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 click here.

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at . If youre experiencing technical difficulties creating accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at 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 .

Required Experience:

DescriptionOur vision is to ensure that Washington states children and youth grow up safe and healthythriving physically emotionally and academically nurtured by family and community.Attention:**INTERNAL ONLY: This position is open to current DCYF employees only.**Job Title: Relative Search Speciali...