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.

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2; or
• 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; or
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related 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 required education.
• A two‑year Master’s degree with 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 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.

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Insurance Benefits:
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. Multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums are available. Staff may enroll in a medical flexible spending account. Basic life and long‑term disability insurance are also offered, with options to purchase additional coverage.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
State employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer‑contributed retirement programs and may participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).

Social Security:
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:
Eligible employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan…