Government H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
Government H-1B visa sponsorship jobs in Washington are concentrated around agencies and contractors in the Seattle metro, Olympia, and the broader Puget Sound region. Major employers include federal agencies, defense contractors like Boeing, and state government bodies. Roles span IT, engineering, public health, and policy analysis, making Washington one of the more active states for government-sector H-1B filings.
Find Government JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 346+ Government H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
See all 346+ Government H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Government H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Washington.
Get Access To All JobsDescription
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".
Attention: This announcement will be used to generate a candidate pool to fill multiple vacancies within the Region 1, Moses Lake After-hours Unit. If you previously applied, no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.
Job Title: After-Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3)
Location: Moses Lake, WA — On-Call. Offices are closed from 5 pm to 8 am each day, on weekends, and on all holidays, but the need to assist children still exists. The number of hours worked per week will vary depending on the number of calls received and the number of days you are available to work. You will only need to be on-call if you are scheduled to work, based on the calendar that you help create. This position offers scheduling flexibility based on your availability. The incumbent will need to be available for a rapid, in-person response within the assigned county.
Salary: $31.64 - $44.68 hourly. These positions may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. This is in addition to the regular base salary; the required duties include performing visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect to assess the safety of vulnerable children.
Review Date: Applications are reviewed regularly. If you already applied, no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.
We're looking for After-Hours Social Service Specialists (SSS3) to join our Moses Lake office and help protect children, youth, and families. This opportunity is a great way to gain additional experience, supplement your income, and/or advance your career in social services!
The Opportunity:
As a DCYF After-Hours Social Service Specialist, you will assist Region 1 during non-business hours. You will respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect when local Division of Children and Family Service offices are closed.
Some of what you'll do:
- Respond to emergent requests and other after-hours requests.
- Meet required timeframes and complete documentation/paperwork in the FAMLINK database.
- Gather and document sufficient information to assess present danger and take protective action if danger is identified.
- Conduct 24-hour emergent face-to-face contacts for CPS Investigation cases, 72-hour non-emergent face-to-face contacts for CPS/FAR cases, and monthly Health and Safety visits on CFWS and FVS cases.
- Observe and document the living environment, physical condition, and behaviors of children.
- Follow Agency Policy for Photograph Documentation when photographing a child's physical condition or environment to document child abuse or neglect.
- Respond to Protective Custody inquiries, partnering with law enforcement when needed.
What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.
Social Service Specialist 2:
- Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience.
OR
- A 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 completed practicum.
OR
- One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
Social Service Specialist 3:
- Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience.
OR
- Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience.
OR
- One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
AND
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Ability to appropriately apply child safety and risk assessment to a variety of complex situations involving child abuse and neglect and imminent risk of serious harm.
- Prior experience displaying critical thinking skills and the use of shared decision-making.
- Prior experience using FAMLINK case management system and documenting casework information within timeframes.
Salary Ranges:
- A Social Service Specialist 3 at Range 58 makes $33.21 - 44.68/hr.
- A Social Service Specialist 2 at Range 56 makes $31.64 - 42.52/hr.
Worker Core Training (WCT):
As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT). This training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well-being, gathering information, and conducting case and permanency planning. During the training, you will have opportunities to practice these skills through classroom activities, simulation exercises, and debriefs. Upon hire, you will be assigned to the nearest available training cohort. The training includes four (4) weeks at our Seattle training site (scheduled for Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8). For those eligible for travel from their assigned duty location, DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs.
The WCT curriculum is designed to prepare Social Service Specialists for the responsibilities of the role, including:
- Understanding the child welfare system
- Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare
- Policies, procedures, and best practices
- Assessing child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts
- Collecting records and collaborating with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services
- Completing assessments and documenting case notes
- Writing dependency petitions and court reports
- Preparing for and testifying in court
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
- Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
- Cover Letter
- Current resume detailing experience and education.
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.
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 is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
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).
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
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.
For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please 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, 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.
Description
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".
Attention: This announcement will be used to generate a candidate pool to fill multiple vacancies within the Region 1, Moses Lake After-hours Unit. If you previously applied, no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.
Job Title: After-Hours Social Service Specialist 2-3 In Training (SSS3)
Location: Moses Lake, WA — On-Call. Offices are closed from 5 pm to 8 am each day, on weekends, and on all holidays, but the need to assist children still exists. The number of hours worked per week will vary depending on the number of calls received and the number of days you are available to work. You will only need to be on-call if you are scheduled to work, based on the calendar that you help create. This position offers scheduling flexibility based on your availability. The incumbent will need to be available for a rapid, in-person response within the assigned county.
Salary: $31.64 - $44.68 hourly. These positions may receive 10% assignment pay when the incumbent reaches the goal class of Social Service Specialist 3. This is in addition to the regular base salary; the required duties include performing visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect to assess the safety of vulnerable children.
Review Date: Applications are reviewed regularly. If you already applied, no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.
We're looking for After-Hours Social Service Specialists (SSS3) to join our Moses Lake office and help protect children, youth, and families. This opportunity is a great way to gain additional experience, supplement your income, and/or advance your career in social services!
The Opportunity:
As a DCYF After-Hours Social Service Specialist, you will assist Region 1 during non-business hours. You will respond to and investigate reports of abuse and neglect when local Division of Children and Family Service offices are closed.
Some of what you'll do:
- Respond to emergent requests and other after-hours requests.
- Meet required timeframes and complete documentation/paperwork in the FAMLINK database.
- Gather and document sufficient information to assess present danger and take protective action if danger is identified.
- Conduct 24-hour emergent face-to-face contacts for CPS Investigation cases, 72-hour non-emergent face-to-face contacts for CPS/FAR cases, and monthly Health and Safety visits on CFWS and FVS cases.
- Observe and document the living environment, physical condition, and behaviors of children.
- Follow Agency Policy for Photograph Documentation when photographing a child's physical condition or environment to document child abuse or neglect.
- Respond to Protective Custody inquiries, partnering with law enforcement when needed.
What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
The goal class of this position is a Social Service Specialist 3. We will also consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.
Social Service Specialist 2:
- Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience.
OR
- A 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 completed practicum.
OR
- One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
Social Service Specialist 3:
- Six (6) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree that includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND Two (2) years of paid social service experience.
OR
- Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND One (1) year of paid social service experience.
OR
- One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
AND
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Paid Social Service experience must include at least one year of assessing risk and safety to children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Ability to appropriately apply child safety and risk assessment to a variety of complex situations involving child abuse and neglect and imminent risk of serious harm.
- Prior experience displaying critical thinking skills and the use of shared decision-making.
- Prior experience using FAMLINK case management system and documenting casework information within timeframes.
Salary Ranges:
- A Social Service Specialist 3 at Range 58 makes $33.21 - 44.68/hr.
- A Social Service Specialist 2 at Range 56 makes $31.64 - 42.52/hr.
Worker Core Training (WCT):
As a Social Service Specialist, you are required to successfully complete a mandatory 9.5-week Worker Core Training (WCT). This training provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to perform core job functions, including assessing risk and safety, supporting child well-being, gathering information, and conducting case and permanency planning. During the training, you will have opportunities to practice these skills through classroom activities, simulation exercises, and debriefs. Upon hire, you will be assigned to the nearest available training cohort. The training includes four (4) weeks at our Seattle training site (scheduled for Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8). For those eligible for travel from their assigned duty location, DCYF covers hotel accommodations and per diem costs.
The WCT curriculum is designed to prepare Social Service Specialists for the responsibilities of the role, including:
- Understanding the child welfare system
- Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to child welfare
- Policies, procedures, and best practices
- Assessing child safety through environmental observation, interviews with children and caregivers, and collateral contacts
- Collecting records and collaborating with community partners, including medical providers, law enforcement, and chemical dependency services
- Completing assessments and documenting case notes
- Writing dependency petitions and court reports
- Preparing for and testifying in court
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
- Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
- Cover Letter
- Current resume detailing experience and education.
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.
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 is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
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).
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
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.
For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please 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, 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.
H-1B Government Job Roles in Washington
See all 346+ Government H-1B Jobs in Washington
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Government Jobs in WashingtonGovernment H-1B Sponsorship Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Washington sponsor H-1B visas?
Federal agencies with significant Washington presences, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and the Department of Veterans Affairs, have historically filed H-1B visa petitions. State agencies and large government contractors such as Boeing, Leidos, and Booz Allen Hamilton also sponsor H-1B workers for roles tied to Washington-based contracts. Sponsorship patterns vary by agency, fiscal year, and role.
Which cities in Washington have the most government H-1B sponsorship jobs?
Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area account for the largest share of government H-1B filings in Washington, driven by federal offices, defense contractors, and technology-adjacent public sector roles. Olympia, as the state capital, concentrates state agency positions. The Tri-Cities area (Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco) is notable for Department of Energy and PNNL-related sponsorship in scientific and engineering fields.
What types of government roles in Washington typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
H-1B sponsorship in the government sector generally applies to specialty occupation roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. In Washington, qualifying positions commonly include software engineers, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, civil and environmental engineers, public health specialists, and policy researchers. General administrative or clerical roles typically do not meet the specialty occupation standard required for H-1B eligibility.
How do I find government H-1B sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate lists government H-1B sponsorship jobs in Washington filtered by visa type and industry, so you can search specifically for roles where employers have a documented history of H-1B filings. Focus on federal contractors and agencies with offices in Seattle, the Tri-Cities, and Olympia. Reviewing Labor Condition Application (LCA) disclosure data on the Department of Labor's OFLC portal can also help confirm which Washington government employers have filed recently.
Are there any state-specific considerations for H-1B sponsorship in Washington's government sector?
Washington state does not impose additional visa requirements beyond federal H-1B rules, but the high concentration of federal security clearance roles in the defense and intelligence sectors adds a practical layer. Many government contractor positions in Washington require or prefer a security clearance, which non-U.S. citizens on H-1B status may not be eligible to obtain. Candidates should confirm clearance requirements before applying to avoid eligibility conflicts.
What is the prevailing wage for H-1B government jobs in Washington?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.