DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

Overview

DSHS ESA – Social Service Specialist 2

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 2 with the Economic Services Administration’s (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) at the Spokane Maple Community Service Office, where you will provide vital, client-centered support to individuals and families working to overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.

• Provide case management to clients with varying social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments.
• Conduct assessments and create case plans for participants in the Work First program.
• Complete program assessments and eligibility determinations for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs.
• Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans to help clients achieve self‑sufficiency.
• Review and examine cases periodically to assess client progress and ongoing 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 client employability or incapacity.
• Provide services collaboratively and with empathy and respect.
• Interview clients and conduct 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.

A successful candidate will meet one of the following criteria:

• Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
• A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience. A two‑year master’s degree with a practicum may substitute for one year of paid experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling at least six years.

Employees must complete the formal training course within eighteen months of appointment.

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

• Effective verbal and written communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys.
• Consistent ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
• Skillful de‑escalation in challenging situations.
• Willingness and commitment to work with underserved, homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent clients.
• Proficiency in using automated software applications.

• An updated resume.
• Three professional references with contact information.

To apply, please contact DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna a.gov and reference job number #05674.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate 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, veteran status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725‑5810.

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