DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

Full Job Description

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

Internal Only: This position is open to current DSHS employees only.

As a Social Service Specialist 3 in the Economic Services Administration’s Community Services Division, based in Bellingham, WA, you will provide professional level social services that help people overcome barriers and move toward self-sufficiency.

You’ll complete in-depth assessments, develop case and employability plans, and connect clients to vital resources such as medical care, mental health counseling, education, and employment programs.

Many of the people you’ll serve face complex challenges including disability, chronic health conditions, trauma, or economic hardship.

Your expertise and compassion will help them build stability and independence.

Some of what you'll do:

• Implementing and interpreting policy and procedure at case level.
• Providing program and systems training to staff.
• Providing information and consultation to community agency personnel and community groups.
• Collaborating with direct supervisor to develop on-the-job training plans.
• Providing job coaching, peer consultation, and mentoring.
• Providing consultation and helping direct supervisors to assign, prioritize, and review work assignments.
• Delegating duties to unit members as appropriate.
• Providing input and data for caseload distribution, unit coverage, and production goals.
• Auditing cases and tracking case corrections.
• Providing region wide back up for SSS2s in 17 offices.
• Participating in the hiring and training of new staff.

Who should apply?

Professionals with one of the following:

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 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.

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

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

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Ability to work cooperatively with others, to provide excellent customer service, to communicate proficiently orally and in writing, and to adapt to changes and help others learn new systems, processes, or programs.
• Ability to work independently and organize and prioritize own work.
• Knowledge of principles of human development; co-occurring disorders and treatment, mental health diagnosis and treatment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, chemical dependency, group dynamics, child welfare, individual and social development, vocational, counseling, applicable Federal and State laws, medical terminology and services, job training and educational resources, and other community resources.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Review and interpret medical information to determine clients' diagnosis, prognosis, and duration of condition.
• Knowledge of social casework principles and practices.
• Teaching, coaching, and training methods.
• Interviewing techniques.
  
  
  

Interested? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Cover letter

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01562.

Additional Information

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 (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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