DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

Description

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 – Supplemental Security Income Facilitator team (SSIF) seeks a dedicated professional to join our team at the Spokane Maple Community Services Office. In this role you will help individuals with significant barriers gather the documentation required for their federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications and appeals.

• Assist individuals receiving TANF or Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) benefits in completing SSI application and appeal packets.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments to understand each person’s medical, social, vocational, cultural, educational, and psychological history.
• Gather, review, and interpret medical information to determine diagnoses, prognosis, and functional limits relevant to the SSI claim.
• Act as a liaison with SSA, Disability Determination Services, medical providers, attorneys, and social service partners to support the SSI determination process.
• Track all SSI facilitation steps and ensure required deadlines—particularly appeal timelines—are met.
• Document all case actions and client interactions in multiple electronic systems, including ICMS, eJAS, Barcode, and ACES.
• Participate in home or alternate-site visits when a client cannot come to the office due to physical, cognitive, or behavioral barriers.
• Monitor SSI-related outcomes and run reports for local, regional, and statewide use.
• Facilitate transitions to other federal medical programs as appropriate.
• Cross‑train in ABD/TANF policies to ensure accurate referrals, documentation, and program awareness.
• Provide referrals to community resources and supports.
• Review invoices to ensure charges for referred evaluations and medical evidence are in accordance with State maximums.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

• Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 AND completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
• 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 may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
• 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.
• An equivalent combination of education/experience of six or more years.

NOTE:

Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within eighteen months of their appointment.

NOTE:

Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family‑centered practice services.

• Comfort supporting people with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use, with a grounded and respectful approach.
• Client‑focused planning skills to shape assessments, case plans, and participation requirements that support stability and progress.
• Clear, respectful communication with clients, coworkers, medical providers, and community partners—even during challenging conversations.
• Assessment and decision‑making ability to interpret medical documentation, determine eligibility pathways, and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Technical and regulatory proficiency to use multiple automated systems and apply program manuals, the Washington Administrative Code, and agency and federal procedures.
• Adaptability and conflict management skills to navigate change, manage stress, and de‑escalate conflict while maintaining focus, empathy, and professionalism.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna a.gov and reference job number #02389.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725‑5810.

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