Program Specialist 3 (PS3) Assessment Specialist - Chehalis

INTERNAL ONLY

: We are accepting applications from DCYF staff only. Current DCYF employees are encouraged to apply. Our vision is to ensure that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".

Job Title:

Program Specialist 3 (PS3)

Location:

Chehalis, WA Closes:

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Salary:

$56,880.00 - $76,608.00 Yearly. The salary does not include an additional on-site 24/7 facility 5% premium. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is accepting applications for two Program Specialist 3 positions to contribute to effective needs assessment and service planning by administering standardized screenings and assessments to provide timely, accurate, and actionable information that guides program placement, case planning, and treatment alignment for young people served by Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR). Click here to learn more about

DCYF The Opportunity:

We're looking for an Assessment Specialist (PS3) to join our Juvenile Rehabilitation team at Green Hill School. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring that young people entering and residing in JR receive timely, high-quality assessments that inform individualized case planning, treatment, and rehabilitation pathways. As an Assessment Specialist, you will conduct intake and ongoing needs assessments for youth in a secure rehabilitation setting. Your work will directly support the development of responsive, data-informed interventions that promote positive behavior change, reduce recidivism, and advance equitable outcomes for all youth—particularly those disproportionately impacted by system involvement. This role is ideal for someone with strong analytical and interviewing skills, a commitment to equity, and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable recommendations. Some of what you will do: Conduct comprehensive intake assessments for youth entering Juvenile Rehabilitation, including review of legal history, behavioral health needs, risk factors, strengths, and responsivity considerations. Complete ongoing reassessments to track youth progress, inform case planning adjustments, and support transitions (e.g., program changes, release planning). Utilize validated assessment tools and structured professional judgment to inform recommendations. Collaborate closely with counselors, treatment providers, educators, and facility leadership to ensure assessment findings are integrated into individualized service plans. Document assessment findings clearly and timely in case management systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy and standards. Contribute to a data-driven and culturally responsive approach to rehabilitation, helping identify disparities and opportunities for system improvement. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to provide assessment insights and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:

One year of experience conducting risk/need/responsivity assessments to assist in providing therapeutic or rehabilitation services for clients from diverse backgrounds who have complex needs. OR Three years of experience in the juvenile justice or social service field providing therapeutic or rehabilitation services with clients from diverse backgrounds who have complex needs. OR A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Mental Health, Healthcare Administration or a related field. AND One year of experience in the juvenile justice or social service field providing therapeutic or rehabilitation services with clients from diverse backgrounds who have complex needs. OR An Associate's Degree in Social Work, Public Health, Psychology, Mental Health, Healthcare Administration or a related Field. AND Two years of experience in the juvenile justice or social service field providing therapeutic or rehabilitation services with clients from diverse backgrounds who have complex needs. AND The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following: Understanding of the functions of risk, needs, and protective factors that influence progress and outcomes for justice involved youth. Working knowledge of the Integrated Developmental Evaluation & Assessment (IDEA) tool. Working knowledge of risk and needs assessment tools in relation to adolescent case management. Working knowledge of the Treatment Models used in JR, including Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Functional Family Parole (FFP). Working knowledge of evidence-based programs to reduce recidivism Working knowledge of the Washington State Juvenile justice continuum of care. Ability to interview youth and families in a sensitive and effective manner to gather valid information for the IDEA or for other screening or assessment tools and to support the family's engagement in the treatment process. Ability to use professional judgement and training to interpret interview information and complete the IDEA assessment. How do I apply? Complete and submit your applicant profile.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity. 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. Applicants selected for an interview are required to pass a national fingerprint background check and complete a questionnaire mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) inquiring about any sexual misconduct. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but is considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This position requires a valid unrestricted (other than corrective lenses) driver's license. This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

For more information:

https://wfse.org/ . This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact the Talent Acquisition Specialist . If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@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) t he 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. 03810