Group Care Licensor (SSS3) – Spokane

Description

Job Title: Group Care Licensor (SSS3)
Location: Spokane WA - Full-Time/Permanent/Flexible Hybrid
Closes: May 17, 2026
Salary: $67,992 - $91,464 Annually

 
The Spokane Central Group Care Licensing Team is recruiting for a talented and dynamic individual who seeks to be part of a cohesive and collaborative team working with amazing providers in our group care community.  Group care licensors ensure the safety of our highest needs children and youth across a spectrum of different licensed providers including staffed residential homes, overnight youth shelters, group homes, group receiving centers, and emergency respite centers.  We offer a hybrid work schedule including office time, telework, and community work and strong mentoring from our talented team members.  Our provider community exists in Region 1 and most are based here in the greater Spokane County area.  If this opportunity fits your skill set and career goals, we look forward to your application.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.  
 
The Opportunity:
The Group Care Licensor position serves group homes, staffed residential homes, maternity services, overnight youth shelters, group receiving centers, crisis residential centers, resource and assessment centers, and emergency respite centers. This position requires the incumbent to utilize the guiding principles of the racial equity and social justice framework to perform advanced level specialized provider management within the Licensing Division to child welfare staff, private agency staff, clients and other community members associated with Foster Care Licensing by collaboratively developing, directing and monitoring high profile social service programs serving the health and safety needs of vulnerable children placed in out-of-home care. The Group Care Licensor is responsible for administering uniform practices according to RCWs, WACs, and policies. In performing all assigned duties, the Group Care Licensor will focus on understanding and respecting the strengths of families and providers including their heritage, cultural beliefs and values, communication and learning styles

Some of what you'll do:

• Approve or deny applications to license or relicense group care facilities. 
• Perform specialized reviews of all elements related to child health and safety, to assess potential risk and compliance.
• Maintain communication with Group Care Supervisor, attend monthly.
• Conduct program evaluations to identify provider strengths and challenges. Program evaluation includes, but is not limited to, initial and on-going assessment of: 
  • Program policies and procedures.
  • Staff qualifications and references.
  • Personnel records.
  • Child records and service/treatment plans.
  • Results of Group Care facility background checks including criminal history and child abuse registry.
  • Suitability for placement.
  • Physical facility and grounds.
  • Compliance with all other minimum licensing requirements.
• Provide direction to providers in assessing and improving the health and safety of children in out-of-home care, interpreting Washington policy and statute governing licensing functions and correcting deficiencies in order to maintain licensure. 
• Provide direction in the development and monitoring of facility policies and procedures.
• Explain department policies and provisions of the law to facility providers, families, individuals, and members of the community.
• Process complaints and coordinates investigations with group care facility staff, of licensing violations. Assess risk to health and safety of children and compliance to licensing regulations and determine findings involving the investigation. 
• Evaluate complaint information and determine degree of risk and need for emergent response. 
• Issue compliance agreements and monitor programs for compliance.
• Utilize FamLink to document activities and maintain provider records within program and manual standards, accountability requirements and agency’s documentation practice.
• Maintain documentation of services offered using Microsoft Word (forms and letters).

Required Qualifications:

• Six (6) years of paid social service experience* in planning, administering, developing, or delivery of public child welfare, social, health, or chemical dependency treatment programs AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline.   

OR

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, human services, behavioral sciences, OR 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

• Master's degree in Social Services, human services, behavioral sciences, OR 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

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

Note*- 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: 

• Work cooperatively with diverse populations.
• Understand agency policies, WAC and RCW related to licensed facilities.
• Effectively, clearly, and concisely communicate verbally and in writing with management, peers, clients, and the
  public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Use MS Office 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:

• Resume

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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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 years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.

This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  For more information: https://wfse.org/

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Steven Loduha (Talent Acquisition Manager) at steven.loduha@dcyf.wa.gov

If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or emailsupport@neogov.com.

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.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission).  If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.