Adoption Support Program Consultant (SHPC2)

Description

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community.”

Job Title: Adoption Support Program Consultant (SHPC2) Location: Olympia, WA - This position is flexible/hybrid and can be done remotely; however, you will need to be in person in Olympia as needed to attend meetings and to support business needs. Closes: Sunday, November 22nd, 2026 Salary: $64,512 - $86,688 Annually

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) is dedicated to supporting children and families across Washington, especially during their most vulnerable moments. By partnering with communities, Tribes, and local agencies statewide, DCYF works to ensure families have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. If you are passionate about strengthening families and contributing to meaningful, lasting change, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

In support of the DCYF agency mission, the Adoption Support Program assists in removing barriers for families adopting special needs children by providing financial, medical, and counseling support to families who adopt from Washington State. The Adoption Support Program Consultant Position is responsible for determining eligibility, implementation onto the program, and supporting families post-adoption while the child remains eligible on the program. Without the duties of this position, permanency through adoption may not be achieved. Consultants work under general supervision and exercise independent judgment while adhering to policy and procedure. This role involves working directly with the public on sensitive, high-stress issues related to child welfare, and plays a vital part in helping families achieve and maintain adoption permanency.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Provides post-adoption resources for medical coverage, preauthorized counseling, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and monthly cash payments to assist in meeting the needs of the child.
• Manages the adoption support contracts for all assigned youth and their families to support ongoing eligibility by completing payment functions, case documentation, timely communication, modifications/revised agreements, tracking 18-year-olds and Extended Adoption Support, case closures, fielding crisis calls, referring for services.
• Provides information for requesting adoption savings funds through a catastrophic event payment or through the Promoting and Supporting Permanency Committee. Facilitates the requests for all assigned family’s post-adoption.
• Reviews intakes for assigned providers to determine ongoing eligibility while adhering to program guidance.
• Communicates with other program areas and field staff.
• Prepares for and represents the department at administrative hearings as it relates to Adoption Support.
• Enters information, creates case notes, and uploads all documentation for case related activity onto FamLink.
• Identifies and provides information on community supports and resources that respond to the identity, cultural, psychological, and emotional needs of the children and caregivers.
• Determines adoption support eligibility and negotiates a monthly cash payment based on the needs of the child and circumstances of the family in accordance with laws, policies, and department standards (Adoption Support Policy 5700, Chapter 110-80 WAC, and Chapter 74.13A RCW).
• Communicates with assigned social service specialists to gather additional or missing information as needed to meet program requirements.
• Provides consultation, communication, and education regarding the Adoption Support Program.
• Engages the family in discussing and understanding the needs of their child and assists in identifying and connecting families with appropriate community resources and support.
• Completes Case Creation after adoption finalization including FamLink data entry, uploading documentation, initiating payment, requesting Medicaid, and educating the family on steps after finalization.

What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):

• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience totaling seven (7) years in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

OR

• A Bachelor's degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND three (3) years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

OR

• A Master's degree or higher in social work, a health or social science, public administration, or a related field AND two (2) years of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 1.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Note: A degree in Social Work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

*One (1) year of paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services (strengthening and preserving family units).

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following (Preferred/Desired Qualifications):

• Previously demonstrated understanding of the permanency process, effects of adverse early childhood experiences on children, grief and loss issues, mental health conditions and treatment, and crisis intervention strategies.
• Previously demonstrated knowledge of adoption and post adoption support concepts, FamLink, child development and professional standards.
• Previously demonstrated knowledge and ability to complete flow of critical paperwork and correspondence with families. Applies knowledge of psychological, developmental, and medical conditions throughout the negotiation process.
• Previously demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws, agency specific policies and procedures, principles of child development and knowledge of community resources related to Child Welfare Services within the social work environment.
• Previously demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and addressing diversity, disproportionality, and inequity.
• Previously demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• Previously demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, complex office environment with multiple conflicting priorities and audiences with ability to manage, prioritize and track a large volume of work.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:

• Cover Letter (describing how you meet the specific qualifications 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 goal 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. The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S. This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/ If you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact DCYF Recruiter. 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, the 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 Veterans’ 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. 2026-08309

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026