DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

Full Job Description

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist with the Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division is currently seeking two full-time Social Service Specialist 2s to join our Pierce South Community Service Office 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 role, you’ll provide professional social services to individuals and/or families by addressing social, emotional, medical and psychological assessments and referrals for customers within Pierce South CSO.

This position will have unsupervised access to vulnerable citizens.

Certain criminal convictions, pending charges, and negative actions automatically disqualify a person from having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults, juveniles and children.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs; this is an in-office position - no telework option!

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct comprehensive assessment with applicants and recipients of the WorkFirst 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 WorkFirst parents who 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 WorkFirst program
• Develop a WorkFirst Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) in e-Jas 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
• Conduct 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 regards to the person’s condition and how it impacts their ability to function in normal work environment
• Facilitates the SSI application process for disabled individuals by coordinating medical examinations, gathering medical evidence and providing a professional psychosocial assessment of their circumstances
• Other duties as assigned

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

• 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
• Ability 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
• Ability to evaluate and facilitate resolution through crisis intervention

Who should apply? This position may be filled at the Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1) or Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) level, depending on qualifications:

Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1)

• A bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a closely related field;

OR

• A combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling four or more years

NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the division-sponsored training program within 18 months of appoiintment.

Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2)

• 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 of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1;

Interested? Apply today!

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? Please contact sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 02415.

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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