DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

Within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), functions as a lead worker in a Community Service Office location within the Community Services Division (ESD). All positions at this level receive little supervision; employees are responsible for devising their own work methods and working effectively with customers, staff, and supervisors.

The position performs as a Lead Worker for all CSO Social Services programs. Responsibilities include auditing to establish training needs and case correction suggestions, ensuring quality customer service, adherence to procedure and policy. The role supports ESA’s efforts to reduce the number of individuals and families living below 200 percent of the federal poverty level by ensuring quality work, managing CSO lobby traffic, and proactively working caseloads.

The position also facilitates services for AGED clients receiving benefits from the ABD/HEN program and provides auditing and lead support for the ABD/HEN program, Work First, and SEP process in Region 1.

• Provides support throughout Region 1 as needed to perform lead worker duties.
• Interprets and implements WACs, policy and procedure at a case level while auditing; provides coaching and training to ABD/HEN and Work First Social Service staff.
• Assists supervisors in auditing the work of ABD/HEN and Work First Social Service staff by providing audit assistance based on assignment.
• Tracks outcomes of audits; prepares reports and analyses for local, regional, and statewide data purposes.
• Provides coverage as needed and maintains communications with regional management and direct supervisor.
• Represents social services on related work groups and planning committees; may provide training and consultation to coworkers, community groups, partner agencies, and providers.
• Works collaboratively with direct supervisor in hiring, engaging staff, developing training plans, prioritizing and assigning work, managing caseload assignments, meeting unit, regional, and divisional goals, and facilitating ongoing process improvement efforts.
• Conducts thorough interview/assessments annually of clients and assists in gathering sufficient medical documentation or proof of continued program eligibility.
• Has experience in conducting Work First assessments.
• Utilizes experience with GAU, GAX, and SEP process.
• Experience with DSHS CSD application or re‑application process.
• Reviews medical evidence to understand applicable conditions and prognosis, confirm level of incapacity, identify potential chemical dependency issues, and support the applicant in pursuing relevant treatments.
• Serves as a liaison for the client and works collaboratively with medical providers, attorneys, CSO based social workers, and others.
• Maintains contact and correspondence with providers and monitors participation in medical treatment for applicable conditions.
• Documents all client interactions and case actions in the appropriate electronic case management system, including but not limited to ICMS, E‑jas, Barcode, ACES, ACES online, and SSPS.

Professionals with one of the following qualifications:

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A Master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

Additional professional experience described above can substitute one year for one year of the required education. A two-year Master’s degree that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.

Note:

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

• Communication:
  Explains program requirements in clear, simple terms to people who may feel stressed, confused, or frustrated.
• Trusted judgment:
  Reviews medical and personal information to make…