DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

If you are ready to embark on the next step of your social service career, consider this exciting opportunity. The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division is currently seeking a full-time Social Service Specialist to join our team in Auburn, WA. You will provide professional social services to assist individuals applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division.

Your knowledge and experience will help support our mission. This position will work fully onsite at the Auburn Community Services Office. King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments with applicants and recipients of the Work First program to develop a case plan with the client based on the assessment and all relevant information, including medical evidence when warranted
• Conducted Pregnancy to Employment and Social Service assessments to identify barriers, determine Work First participation, and evaluate disability/incapacity eligibility
• Developed individualized Work First Responsibility Plans and coordinated referrals to medical, behavioral health, legal, educational, and community support services
• Conducted Work First orientations, explaining program requirements, support services, and participation expectations
• Performed home and alternate-site assessments for vulnerable clients unable to visit the office due to physical, mental, or compliance-related barriers
• Interpreted medical documentation and collaborated with healthcare providers to assess functional limitations and eligibility

What we're looking for:

• Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders
• Ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness
• Ability to defuse a hostile situation
• Willingness to work with hard-to-serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent individuals
• Ability to use automated software applications

Who should apply?

Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1; AND Completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program.

OR A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience.

OR A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

Note:

Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

Note:

A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Note:

Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within one year of their appointment.

Include the following with your application:

• A current chronological resume
• Three professional references

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 05047.