DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

Internal Only:
This position is open to current DSHS employees only.

As a Social Service Specialist 3 in the Economic Services Administration’s Community Services Division, based in Bellingham, WA, you will provide professional level social services that help people overcome barriers and move toward self-sufficiency.

You’ll complete in-depth assessments, develop case and employability plans, and connect clients to vital resources such as medical care, mental health counseling, education, and employment programs. Many of the people you’ll serve face complex challenges including disability, chronic health conditions, trauma, or economic hardship. Your expertise and compassion will help them build stability and independence.

• Implementing and interpreting policy and procedure at case level.
• Providing program and systems training to staff.
• Providing information and consultation to community agency personnel and community groups.
• Collaborating with direct supervisor to develop on-the-job training plans.
• Providing job coaching, peer consultation, and mentoring.
• Providing consultation and helping direct supervisors to assign, prioritize, and review work assignments.
• Delegating duties to unit members as appropriate.
• Providing input and data for caseload distribution, unit coverage, and production goals.
• Auditing cases and tracking case corrections.
• Providing region wide back up for SSS2s in 17 offices.
• Participating in the hiring and training of new staff.

Professionals with one of the following:

• 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 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 2.

* Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
** 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.

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

Note:

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

• Ability to work cooperatively with others, to provide excellent customer service, to communicate proficiently orally and in writing, and to adapt to changes and help others learn new, or programs.
• Ability to work independently and organize and prioritize own work.
• Knowledge of principles of human development; co-occurring disorders and treatment, mental health diagnosis and treatment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, chemical dependency, group dynamics, child welfare, individual and social development, vocational, counseling, applicable Federal and State laws, medical terminology and services, job training and educational resources, and other community resources.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Review and interpret medical information to determine clients' diagnosis, prognosis, and duration of condition.
• Knowledge of social casework principles and practices.
• Teaching, coaching, and training methods.
• Interviewing techniques.

• An updated resume
• Cover letter

The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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…