Social Worker or Social Services Specialist for Dependent Children & Youth

Description

Position: Social Worker or Social Services Specialist for Dependent Children & Youth

Agency: Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid

Job Type: Contract (Currently funded through June 30, 2027. Contract may be extended based on agency need and funding availability.)

Compensation: $85,000-90,000 annually, DOQ

Location: Central or Eastern WA

Opening Date: 06-05-2026

Priority Date: 07-01-2026

BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS

Overview

The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is an independent judicial branch state agency. OCLA administers the statewide Children’s Representation Program (CRP). The CRP underwrites and oversees the delivery of effective, standards-based and equity-informed representation for children and youth for whom attorneys are appointed under state law.

Duties

The CRP is seeking an exceptional contract Social Worker or Social Service Specialist. The contracted caseload for this position is 160 hours per month plus reimbursement for travel expenses and a small stipend for concrete goods. The Social Worker or Social Services Specialist will work with a panel of attorneys across Central and Eastern Washington to provide social service support to children and youth involved in dependency proceedings. Specific duties may include:

• Identifying age- and culturally appropriate substance use treatment and supports
• Identifying age- and culturally appropriate mental health treatment and other behavioral health supports
• Supporting family reunification efforts
• Coaching or assisting attorneys in having trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate conversations with children and youth on sensitive topics
• Supporting youth and their attorneys for youth who are “missing from care”
• Supporting youth and their attorneys for youth who are or are suspected to be commercially sexually exploited
• Connecting youth with necessary community supports and services, including older youth and young adults (18-21) who are working towards independent living

Travel

The Social Worker or Social Services Specialist will travel to have in-person contact with the youth and attorneys they support. Contractors are eligible for reimbursement for mileage, lodging, and incidental expenses incurred during the course of case-related travel at government reimbursement rates.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, human services, or related field or sufficient relevant professional experience
• Commitment to rendering culturally competent, trauma-informed support to children and youth involved in the child welfare system
• Strong foundational knowledge of child development and the impacts of trauma on child development

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with children or adults with substance use disorder or impacted by substance use disorder, particularly opioids and high-potency synthetic opioids
• Experience working with children and youth involved in the child welfare system
• Experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds
• Strong crisis intervention and assessment skills
• Experience working directly with attorneys or multidisciplinary teams that include legal professionals

Supplemental Information

Compensation

The compensation rate for a full-time contract is $85,000 - $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications. OCLA may offer one full-time contract (1.0 FTE) or multiple part-time contracts (anticipated at 0.5 FTE) based on agency needs and responses received.

This contract(s) is currently funded through June 30, 2027. Contracts may be extended for additional two-year terms in accordance with the State fiscal biennium based on agency need and funding availability. . Contracted compensation is intended to cover the Social Worker or Social Services Specialist’s salary and any business operating expenses (e.g. rent, office supplies, etc.). OCLA will reimburse the costs associated with case-related travel and has a small pool of funds to provide for concrete goods.

How to Apply

BENEFITS INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT APPLY TO CONTRACTORS

Applications must be emailed to crp@ocla.wa.gov and should include the subject heading: Statement of Interest – Social Worker or Social Services Specialist.

Submissions must include:

• Resume
• Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your qualifications per the minimum and desired qualifications listed above
• A list of three (3) professional references

OCLA reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate the State of Washington or OCLA to contract for the services specified here.