DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

Overview

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 role with the State of Washington, Everett, WA. This position is dedicated to the SSI Facilitation Team, where staff will be responsible for facilitating Supplemental Security Income disability claims for Social Security. You will provide professional social services to assist individuals receiving benefits from the Community Services Division.

• Process Initial SSI claims and submit timely appeals when claims are denied.
• Conduct assessments to determine an individual’s level of functioning, including education, social history, living situation, employment history, and physical and mental status.
• Review and interpret medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs.
• Stay up to date on community resources and referral sources for medical, mental health, and chemical dependency treatment.
• Participate in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and assess vulnerable and disabled applicants.
• Outreach with clients and partners in a community setting as needed.

• Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
• Ability to defuse a hostile situation.
• Willingness to work with hard-to-serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent individuals.
• Ability to use automated software applications.

Professionals with twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program, or a relevant combination of education and experience as described below.

• 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 performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1. A two-year Master’s degree with practicum may substitute for one year of experience.
• 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 1.

• A current chronological resume.
• Three professional references.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision is to support all Washingtonians with fairness, access, and social justice, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton.gov and reference job number 07991.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history may be conducted. 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. EEO statements apply. See the posting for benefits details and accommodations information.

Washington State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and retirement plans, paid leave, and other compensation benefits. Details vary by appointment type.

Note:

Benefits information is described in the job posting.

Updated 07-21-2025