DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

DSHS ESA – Social Service Specialist 1-2 In Training

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist with the Economic Services Administration's (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) in Lynnwood, where you will provide vital, client-centered support to individuals and families working to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. In this role, you will conduct in-depth assessments, develop employability plans, and deliver ongoing case management to support clients with a wide range of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and physical challenges that impact economic independence.

Working collaboratively with your team, you will coordinate services, connect clients to resources, and engage respectfully with individuals in both office and home settings to support equitable and meaningful outcomes. Some of what you'll do:

• Provide ongoing case management and coordinate referrals to community resources such as behavioral health services, substance use treatment, medical care, education, and employment supports.
• Interpret medical and psychological information, collaborating with medical professionals to assess functional limitations and determine program eligibility.
• Facilitate SSI/SSA application and appeal processes by coordinating evaluations, gathering medical evidence, and completing psychosocial assessments.
• Interprets objective medical evidence to determine eligibility for programs.
• Assess and/or staff individuals with physical and/or mental health issues with medical professionals regarding the person's condition and how it impacts their ability to function in a normal work environment.
• Conduct Social Service Assessment with applicants and recipients for physical and psychological limitations to determine disability/incapacity eligibility.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interview clients and collaborate with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys, and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with management, peers, clients, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and work effectively with diverse populations.
• Skill in managing challenging interactions, including working with individuals who may be hostile or in crisis.
• Ability to remain organized and effective in a high-volume, fast-paced, and potentially stressful work environment.
• Proficiency in using computers and navigating multiple electronic systems simultaneously.
• Ability to assess situations, apply critical thinking, and support resolution through crisis intervention strategies.

Who should apply? This position may be filled at the Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1) or Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) level, depending on qualifications.

• Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1): A bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a closely related field; OR A combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling four or more years.
• Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2):
  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 a closely related field, and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1; OR A bachelor's degree in one of the above fields, and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

Additional Information:

• Relevant professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• A two-year master's degree that included a practicum may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Employees must successfully complete the formal training program within one year of appointment.
• Work schedule:
  
  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along with your application, please include:
An updated resume, A cover letter, Three professional references with contact information.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton nandez.gov and reference job number #05154.

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.

Prior to a new hire, a…