Referrals & Transitions Program Consultant (SHPC2) - Olympia

About the Department

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: Referrals & Transitions Program Consultant (SHPC2)
Location: Olympia, WA - This position is flexible/hybrid and can be done remotely; however, some travel is required. This is a statewide position and travel to meetings in-state will be required with possible out-of-state travel. 
Closes: Friday, September 18th, 2026
Salary: $64,512 - $86,688 Annually

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking a collaborative and solutions-focused professional to join the Placement Continuum Unit within the Division of Partnership, Prevention and Services (PPS). As the Referrals & Transitions Program Consultant, you will help strengthen statewide practices that support children and youth in out-of-home care, with a focus on improving placement referrals, transitions, and stability.

This position plays an important role in advancing the Referrals & Transitions Program required under the D.S. Lawsuit & Settlement Agreement, including strengthening youth voice and preference in placement referrals, supporting opportunities for youth to review their referral information, and developing systems and practices that promote youth well-being during placement transitions.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

In this role, you will provide statewide implementation support and oversight for the Referrals & Transitions Program, working closely with DCYF child welfare staff and other partners to strengthen referral and transition practices and promote consistency across the state. You will provide consultation, guidance, and support to child welfare staff to identify needs and resources that support youth before, during, and after placement transitions.

You will identify opportunities for process and practice improvement, with a focus on developing placement referrals that meaningfully incorporate youth voice and preference and implementing the referral review process in a way that supports youth well-being during placement moves. You will gather and analyze information, develop and implement improvement strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to support continued practice improvement.

Your work will center the voice, preferences, experiences, and well-being of children and youth while integrating racial equity into program development and practice improvement. Ultimately, this position helps improve placement stability and outcomes for children and youth in out-of-home care by strengthening the practices and systems used during placement referrals and transitions.

Some of what you will do:

• Develop, implement, review, and revise procedures that allow youth to review their referral information and share information about themselves with caregivers within established implementation timelines.
• Develop, implement, review, and revise procedures that support youth well-being during placement transitions.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to provide ongoing information and education to internal and external partners.
• Partner with Child Welfare to develop, implement, and support practice improvement strategies related to referrals and transitions.
• Develop and provide resources, technical assistance, and training to caseworkers, supervisors, regional program staff, and leadership.
• Partner with community organizations and other stakeholders to share information and strengthen referral and transition practices.
• Receive and review requests for transition funding within required timeframes, determine appropriateness, approve or deny authorization, and support timely provider payments.
• Coordinate referral and transition activities across programs and divisions, including Child Welfare, Licensing, and Finance.
• Develop and implement quality assurance processes, tools, and data collection methods to monitor program performance, youth voice in referrals, and referral and transition practices.
• Collect, maintain, and analyze program data to identify trends, measure progress, inform statewide practice, and identify priorities for practice improvement.
• Collaborate with Child Welfare to gather and share information, obtain feedback, and develop data-informed strategies to improve referral and transition practices.
• Collect and analyze feedback from youth and caregivers about their experiences with referral and transition services and use findings to inform program and practice improvements.
• Gather, analyze, and report program information to support leadership decision-making, inter- and intra-agency communication, and compliance with the D.S. Lawsuit, Settlement Agreement, Implementation Plan, and Data Addendum.

Required Qualifications:

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

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 one (1) year of professional experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

OR

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

AND

• Within the past five (5) years, have two (2) years of demonstrated full-time experience in one of the following areas:
  • Case management experience with children and young people in foster care who have therapeutic support needs.
  • Experience providing coaching and technical assistance and training related to social service practice improvement.

• Within the past five (5) years, have demonstrated experience in two (2) or more of the following areas:
  • Develop and implement a project or projects.
  • Develop program plans that will be implemented at a statewide or similar large scale.
  • Develop guides, forms, and other materials to support program implementation and ongoing processes.
  • Implement processes related to an established program budget.
  • Participates in establishing goals and objectives for programs.
  • Acts as a liaison with other organizations and DCYF divisions to promote and collaborate on program area.
  • Provides support and technical assistance to support program area.
  • Data driven child welfare practice.
  • Business policy development.
  • Providing direct child welfare services to children and families.

AND

• A relentless commitment to anti-racism and addressing diversity, disproportionality, and inequity.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

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

• To be successful, this position will also require a relentless commitment to anti-racism and addressing diversity, disproportionality, and inequity.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Previous demonstrated general knowledge and skill with the child welfare system, foster care and trauma-informed practice.
• Previous demonstrated knowledge of using computer systems, negotiation, child development, ethics and professional standards, social casework principles and practices; safety framework, decision making; and interviewing techniques.
• Previous demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• Previous demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, complex work environment with multiple conflicting priorities and audiences with ability to manage, prioritize and track a large volume of work.
• Previous experience or familiarity with FamLink or CCWIS systems.
• Demonstrated customer service skills; being accessible, timely and responsive. Able to resolve conflicts in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to be creative and innovative when contributing to organizational and individual objectives; receptive to new ideas and situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and support teamwork and cooperation through open and honest communication.

How do I apply? 
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• College Transcripts -If applicable. (An unofficial copy is acceptable for applying).
• 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.

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. 

Must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within twelve months of initial 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/

Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee benefits eligibility, visit: Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

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 [email protected].Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at360-664-1960.          

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.

2026-07253

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

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov