On-Site Social Service Specialist II

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2Are you committed to helping individuals and families overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency? The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at the Clarkston Community Services Office.

In this role, you will work with a caseload of people and families who face barriers to work and self-sufficiency. You will meet with each person, learn about their life, and build a plan that fits their needs. Some people need help with health or mental health concerns. Others need housing, treatment, education, or job search support. You will connect them to the right services and check in as they make progress.

You will also review medical records to help decide if a person qualifies for disability-related help. If a person may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, you will guide them through the application. Your work helps people meet Work First program requirements and take important steps toward steady work and income.

Some of what you'll do:

• Meet with Work First applicants and recipients to complete full assessments of their education, work history, living situation, and health.
• Build an individual responsibility plan with each person based on their assessment and any medical records.
• Complete Pregnancy to Employment assessments with parents who are pregnant or caring for a baby under two years old.
• Refer people to services such as mental health counseling, domestic violence support, drug and alcohol assessment, medical care, education, work experience, job search, First Steps, and legal aid.
• Visit people at home or another location when they cannot come into the office.
• Lead Work First orientations that explain program rules, support services, and activities.
• Assess physical and mental health limitations to decide if a person qualifies for disability-related programs.
• Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans for customers to help achieve self-sufficiency.
• Review and examine cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determine continuing compliance with social services programs.
• Read and interpret medical reports and test results.
• Talk with medical providers about how a person's condition affects their ability to work.
• Help people apply for Supplemental Security Income by setting up medical exams, gathering records, and writing a professional assessment of their life circumstances.
• Track Supplemental Security Income applications with Social Security and attorneys, and respond to appeals on time.
• Issue benefit cards and explain how to use them.
• Record case activity in electronic case management systems.
• Attend team meetings, supervisor check-ins, and required training.

Who should apply?Professionals that meet the following criteria:

Twelve months of experience 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, or an allied field, AND one year as a Social Service Specialist 1or equivalent paid social service experience;

OR

A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

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…