Child Protection Intake Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is looking for a Social Service Specialist 3 to join our Regional 3 Intake Unit in Everett. If you have Child Welfare experience and thrive with critical thinking and shared decision-making, we encourage you to apply!

This position is a hybrid/telework position; staff must be able to travel to and work from the office as required. Travel may be required to trainings or temporary assignment location. This full-time permanent position works Mon-Friday during regular business hours (8 AM - 5 PM). Closes: 09/13/2026 Salary: $69,348 - $93,288 Annually.

The Opportunity:

As an Intake Specialist, you will make a difference when you respond to reports of child abuse and neglect, protecting children from harm and supporting families to reduce the risk of future harm to children. When you receive reports from professionals and concerned citizens alerting you to issues around a child's welfare, you will assess for risk to determine if an investigation is required to determine if a child has been or is at risk of harm. You will also assess the child and family's needs and determine the need for other interventions to support the family's efforts to provide a safe, nurturing environment for their children.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Document and process reports of child abuse and neglect and service requests from any source.
• Interview referrers and document information received, including asking clarifying questions; obtain details; assess the information provided.
• Conduct thorough data search by using a variety of complex application systems to obtain additional pertinent information to assist in assessing risk and protective factors and determining the screening decision.
• Consult with supervisor on all intakes regarding children requiring emergent response due to current threats of danger and risk of imminent harm.
• Create Intake/Case Notes and document all pertinent information.
• Seek and update the most recent address and demographic information, in order to update person cards in Famlink as new information becomes available.
• Seek and document the legal status of all children involved.
• Develop resources directly associated with job functions, such as information and referral to community resources.
• Report all fatalities to the duty supervisor and assist in completing critical incident reports (AIRS).

Required Qualifications:

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 Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a 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 a 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 year as a Social Service Specialist 2. AND The ability to take action to learn and grow and 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.

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

• Previously demonstrated ability to use and knowledge of FamLink standards and requirements.
• Previous demonstrated work experience displaying the ability to evaluate, analyze, and assess risk and safety in all cases as defined by law and best practice and implement appropriate procedures using the agency-preferred risk and safety assessment tools.
• Previous demonstrated work experience displaying the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply applicable laws, rules, and policies on delivery of child protective and child welfare services within Washington State and deliver services accordingly.
• Completed Master's Degree in Social Work and have case management experience.
• Previous experience in Child Welfare, such as: CPS, FAR, FRS, FVS, CFWS, Permanency/Adoptions.
• Experience assessing risk and safety regarding child abuse and neglect concerns or developing safety and service plans with families.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the local community and resources.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and policies on child protective and child welfare services.
• Experience with FamLink and documentation requirements.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Cover Letter
• Current Resume