DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

Join to apply for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 role at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

We are seeking a full-time Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team located in Everett, WA. This position is dedicated to the SSI Facilitation Team and is responsible for facilitating Supplemental Security Income disability claims for Social Security. You will provide professional social services to assist individuals receiving benefits from the Community Services Division.

Note: Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

• Process Initial SSI claims and submit timely appeals when claims are denied.
• Conduct assessments to determine an individual's level of functioning including evaluating education, social history, living situation, and employment history, as well as physical and mental status.
• Review and interpret medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs.
• Stay up to date on community resources and referral sources for medical, mental, and chemical dependency treatment.
• Participate in-home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants.
• Outreach with clients and partners in a community setting as needed.

• 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.

• Professionals with 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, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience. 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.
• 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.

• A current chronological resume.
• Three professional references.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton.gov and reference job number 07991.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may 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 job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

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