DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist in training

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 in training

Join to apply for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 in training role at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
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3 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.

Do you have a passion for advocacy and want to make a tangible impact in the lives of individuals navigating complex challenges in the hopes of becoming economically independent? The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Social Services Specialist 1-2 in training to join our Alderwood Community Services Office, in Lynnwood, WA, providing professional support serving some of Washington state's most vulnerable residents by evaluating their needs, conducting assessments, and connecting them with vital support and services.

You’ll be part of a team that navigates complex social and systemic challenges while building trust with individuals and families experiencing crisis, instability, or long‑term hardship. This position requires keen professional judgment, emotional resilience, and an understanding of public assistance programs and their impact.

Whether you’re meeting with clients in their homes or coordinating with interdisciplinary teams, you’ll be a lifeline for individuals with limited mobility, cognitive or mental health barriers, or other challenges that prevent them from accessing services on their own.

• Provide case management for people with social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments of varying degrees.
• Complete program assessments and eligibility determination for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs.
• Conduct assessments and create case plans for participants in the Work First program.
• Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans to help achieve self‑sufficiency.
• Review and examine cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determine continuing compliance with social services programs.
• Coordinate services with other agencies such as behavioral health, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities.
• Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine client employability or incapacity.
• Provide services collaboratively and with empathy and respect.
• Interview clients and provide a comprehensive assessment of vocational, educational, social, and health history.
• Authorize referrals to medical specialists and other agencies.
• Perform home and alternate site visits to assist customers experiencing poverty.

• Four years of prior social service experience, or similar experience.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field.

Upon successful completion of the in‑training plan of approximately 12 months, an individual hired as a Social Service Specialist 1‑2 In Training will promote to a Social Service Specialist
2. Upon promotion to Social Service Specialist 2, there will be a six‑month trial service period with additional required training to successfully complete trial service.

• Customer service – Demonstrated ability to serve the public with respect, concern, and professionalism, even in challenging or emotionally charged situations.
• Assessment skills – Ability to identify client strengths, limitations, and needs during home or alternate site visits to inform service planning.
• Verbal communication – Ability to explain complex services or eligibility processes in everyday language clients can understand.
• Written communication – Skilled at documenting findings, observations, and case narratives clearly and accurately.
• Organizational awareness – Knowledge of social service structures and available resources within the community and the department.
• Crisis management – Comfort in responding to unpredictable or high‑stress client interactions with professionalism and empathy.
• Technology proficiency – Ability to effectively use automated software systems for case documentation, communication, and service coordination.