DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 5

Are you ready to make a direct impact on the lives of those most in need while leading a talented team of professionals? As a Social Service Specialist 5 within the Economic Services Administration's Community Services Division (CSD), you’ll not only supervise a dedicated team of Social Service Specialists, but you’ll also play a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals as they work to access critical Social Security benefits.

If you’re passionate about advocacy, have a deep understanding of medical, social, and disability systems, and thrive in a leadership role, this position located in Tacoma, WA is for you.

In this supervisory role, you will be at the forefront of helping individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities access federal and state programs that can improve their lives. You’ll oversee a team of Social Service Specialists, ensuring that they are equipped to provide thorough Social Security applications, timely case management, and advocacy for Aged, Blind Disabled (ABD) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) clients.

Your work will not only guide staff but also safeguard vulnerable individuals by upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and compliance.

In this pivotal role, you’ll provide the guidance and structure your team needs to succeed while ensuring the individuals and families we serve receive the compassionate, thorough assistance they deserve. Your leadership will empower clients to access life‑changing benefits, while your oversight ensures compliance and quality in all processes.

• Establish unit workloads and quality standards; review eligibility determinations to ensure that appropriate data gathering and verification techniques were utilized and that findings were adequately documented
• Assign, prioritize, and review work assignments to a unit of Social Service Specialists that provide assistance with Social Security Income (SSI) applications
• Provide consultation and direction in the handling of cases
• Review activity reports ensuring planned unit volumes are being maintained and work is processed timely
• Conduct regular and productive unit and 1:1 meetings with staff; set performance expectations
• Hire and train new and existing professional staff in the law, policies and procedures governing their job assignments
• Arrange formal agency trainings related to specific job assignments and career development planning
• Train staff in gathering accurate and complete information, organizing information, and case decision‑making
• Prepare written and oral reports, documentation, inter‑ and intra‑agency communications regarding program areas supervised
• Perform liaison educational and program expert functions between the agency and community social services, educational, law enforcement, medical and judicial agencies and institutions, including the Social Security Administration
• Implement and interpret policy and procedure at the case level
• Assist staff to understand their professional responsibility and to carry out agency policy and comply with the laws which govern Social Security program guidelines

• Leadership with heart:
  You have the supervisory and coaching skills to guide a diverse team of professionals and empower them to achieve positive outcomes for clients
• Compassionate communication:
  You’re adept at building relationships with colleagues, clients, and partner agencies, and you can navigate difficult or sensitive situations with grace
• Crisis management:
  You thrive in high‑stakes environments and are able to calmly handle stressful, urgent, or emotionally charged situations
• Analytical expertise:
  You can assess complex medical and social data, make decisions independently, and explain your rationale clearly in administrative hearings or client meetings
• Tech‑savvy problem‑solving:
  You’re comfortable using multiple software systems simultaneously (such as ACES, eJAS, ICMS) and are able to spot trends, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with program requirements
• Cultural sensitivity:
  You demonstrate awareness of cultural differences and apply Respect, Equity, Diversity, and…