DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

The Economic Services Administration 's Community Services Division is currently seeking a full-time Social Service Specialist 2 to join our Pierce North Community Service Office (CSO) team located in Tacoma, WA. If you’re looking for meaningful work that blends problem-solving, social service expertise, and direct support to people facing significant barriers, this role may be perfect for you.

In this public-facing position, you’ll provide professional social services to individuals and/or families who have barriers to self-sufficiency; you will complete in-depth assessments, employability plans and case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological and/or physical impairments hindering economic independence.

Note: Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an ORCA Card for transportation needs; this is an in-office position - no telework option.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments with applicants and recipients of the Work First program in order to develop a case plan with the client based on the assessment and all relevant information, including medical evidence when warranted.
• Conduct Pregnancy-to-Employment assessments with Work First parents who are pregnant or parenting a child under the age of one to identify potential risks and/or barriers to participation and to determine the parents' ability to participate in the Work First program.
• Develop a Work First Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) in eJAS based on the assessment with the client.
• Refer clients to services such as Mental Health Counseling, Domestic Violence Counseling/Support, Drug/Alcohol Assessment Centers, treatment follow-up, medical services, education, work experience, job search activities, First Steps services, legal aid and other community service agencies.
• Participate in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants, recipients and/or children when the client(s) is unable or unwilling to come into the CSO due to lack of understanding, non-compliance, or physical or mental disability.
• Complete Social Service Assessments with applicants and recipients for physical and psychological limitations to determine disability/incapacity eligibility.
• Interprets objective medical evidence to determine eligibility for programs.
• Assess and/or staff individuals with physical and/or mental health issues with medical professionals in regard to the person’s condition and how it impacts their ability to function in normal work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys, and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate with management, peers, clients and the public.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse population.
• Ability to interact with hostile and demanding clients.
  
  Abilities to work in high volume, diverse and stressful environment. Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with internal and/or external customers. Ability to work at a computer handling multiple electronic systems simultaneously. We evaluate and facilitate resolution through crisis intervention.

Professionals with either:

A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field;

Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within 18 months of their appointment.

Equivalent education/experience.

Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1 AND completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program;

OR

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;

OR

A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field AND two years…