DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

Full Job Description

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 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 position, you’ll provide professional social services to individuals and families navigating complex physical, mental, social, and economic challenges.

This position plays a key role in WorkFirst, Pregnancy-to-Employment assessments, and disability/incapacity assessments, and will also support SSI facilitation by coordinating evaluations and gathering medical evidence.

Your work helps people build stability, understand expectations, access services, and move toward greater independence. It’s a role that calls for compassion, strong communication, and comfort working in a high-volume environment.

Please Note: This is an in-office position, located at 1301 E. 72^nd St., Tac. 98404. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you'll do:

• Complete WorkFirst assessments and develop case plans using all relevant information, including medical evidence.
• Conduct Pregnancy-to-Employment assessments to identify risks and determine participation ability.
• Create and update Individual Responsibility Plans and coordinate referrals to community services.
• Conduct home or alternate-site visits to evaluate circumstances and complete required assessments.
• Complete Social Service Assessments to determine disability or incapacity eligibility and interpret medical evidence.
• Consult with medical professionals to understand how physical or mental conditions affect functional ability.
• Facilitate SSI claims by coordinating evaluations, gathering medical evidence, preparing psychosocial assessments, monitoring applications, and responding to appeals.
• Provide WorkFirst Orientation, explaining program expectations and available supports.
• Issue EBT cards and provide instruction on their proper use.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and supervisory conferences.

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

• Clear communication; Able to interview effectively and communicate with clients, partners, and providers.
• Crisis intervention; Able to de-escalate and address urgent or hostile situations.
• Cultural responsiveness; Able to work respectfully with diverse populations.
• Professional conduct; Able to provide courteous, responsive service in challenging situations.
• Workload management; Able to function in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Technical skill; Able to navigate multiple electronic systems simultaneously.

Who should apply? Professionals with either:

Twelve months of experience 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.

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.

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.

NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within eighteen months of their appointment.

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

Equivalent education/experience.

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 saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 08818.

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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