I applied, how long before I receive an update?
DCYF does our best to update candidates throughout the hiring process. If the position remains open until filled, applicants are usually reviewed once a week. If the position has a date that it will close, applications are reviewed after that date.
After an initial review for qualifications, hiring managers decide who they would like to interview. If your application isn’t sent to the hiring manager, you’ll receive an email shortly after your application is reviewed. If you aren’t selected for an interview or as the final candidate, you will be updated at the latest when a final candidate is selected.
The hiring process may take several weeks to complete. If you haven’t received any updates after six weeks, email us at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov.
What does the interview process look like?
Candidates selected for interviews may be contacted directly or more than likely will be sent an email asking them to self-schedule their interview where they are able to select different offered date(s) and times. Once selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details about the interview.
During the interview, a hiring panel will likely take turns asking you questions and allow time at the end to answer any questions you may have. Once the interview is over, you’ll either be contacted by email or phone to update you if you were selected or not.
I want to apply for a Social Service Specialist role, but I don’t have a completed bachelor’s degree.
The qualifications for the In-training 1-3 Social Service Specialist roles allow for a specific number of years of experience and 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a social services discipline. If you don’t have the required credit hours, you could still be hired but would need to obtain them within your first 18 months of employment. For more information, see the Qualifications and In-Training Plans.
I’m interested in a Social Service Specialist role, but my area doesn’t have one listed on the DCYF Careers Page.
New positions open all the time, depending on the needs of the Child Welfare Offices in the area. Keep an eye on our DCYF Careers Page to see new openings. Jobs are usually open at least one week, if not longer. Want to be the first to know about new jobs? Sign up for “Job Alerts” on our DCYF Careers webpage.
How do I know the salary for a position and how do pay increases work?
Washington state agencies are very open about salary ranges, each job posting will have the salary range listed under the category “salary” towards the top of the posting. If the position has an option for multiple pay classes, the body of the job posting will list the salary range for each class. Employees receive a 5% increase to their base salary annually, until they reach the top pay off their salary range.
Are there options for a remote or flexible schedule in Social Service Specialist positions or other positions?
Most positions have hybrid options and this will be listed on the job posting. Social Service Specialist positions require on-site for fieldwork due to business needs, however there may be opportunities to complete some work remotely or work a flexible schedule once fully trained. The ability to work a flexible schedule, or include some remote work, is decided by the supervisor and is based on business needs.
The position I am applying for says that it’s for a specific region, what does that mean?
DCYF Child Welfare has six regions statewide with multiple offices located in each region. If the position is regional, it typically means you could work at an office within the specific region, or the work may involve travel to various offices within the region.
The job announcement should provide that information, if you have additional questions, email us at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov.
The position I am applying for states it is for a specific county, what does that mean?
This typically means the county has multiple offices and may have several locations they are hiring for. The different offices available will be listed in the job posting and will usually have a supplemental question where you can select which offices you’d be interested in accepting employment.
If you have additional questions, email us at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov.
How can I stay connected to DCYF?
DCYF can be found on several different social media platforms, including:
