DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

The Department of Social and Health Services partners with people across Washington to access support, care, and resources. As a Social Service Specialist 3 in DSHS's Economic Services Administration’s Community Services Division, based in South Bend, WA, you will carry out DSHS's mission directly by providing professional level social services that help people overcome barriers and move toward self-sufficiency.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments with Work First applicants and recipients within 30 days of referral.
• Build a case plan based on each person's circumstances and available medical evidence.
• Conduct Pregnancy to Employment assessments for parents who are pregnant or caring for a child under one.
• Develop an Individual Responsibility Plan and refer clients to counseling, treatment, education, or job search services.
• Conduct home or site visits for applicants and recipients who cannot come into the office.
• Review case actions within required time frames, including overdue components and time limit extensions.
• Review medical evidence to determine eligibility for Federal Supplemental Security Income.
• Collaborate with local SSI facilitators to track applications with Social Security and attorneys.
• Manage cases and referral services for Refugee Cash Assistance customers.
• Respond to administrative hearing inquiries and complete requested case actions.

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.

Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their 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 fair, accurate eligibility decisions.
• Organization:
  Manages a full caseload and meets strict deadlines without missing steps.
• Empathy:
  Listens to people facing hardship and responds without judgment.
• Problem‑solving:
  Works through conflict or crisis situations and finds a workable next step.
• Cultural respect:
  Treats people from all backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences with fairness and respect.
• Collaboration:
  
  Builds working relationships with coworkers, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners.
• Adaptability:
  Switches between multiple computer systems in a busy, high‑volume office.
• Technology:
  Uses standard office software to document cases and track deadlines.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑833‑6384. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.