DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 In Training

Full Job Description

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 in training.

Do you have a passion for advocacy and want to make a tangible impact in the lives of individuals navigating complex challenges in the hopes of becoming economically independent?

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Social Services Specialist 1-2 in training to join our Olympia Community Services Office located in Tumwater, WA to provide professional support serving some of Washington state's most vulnerable residents by evaluating their needs, conducting assessments, and connecting them with vital support and services.

You’ll be part of a team that navigates complex social and systemic challenges while building trust with individuals and families experiencing crisis, instability, or long-term hardship.

This position requires keen professional judgment, emotional resilience, and an understanding of public assistance programs and their impact.

Whether you're meeting with clients in their homes or coordinating with interdisciplinary teams, you'll be a lifeline for individuals with limited mobility, cognitive or mental health barriers, or other challenges that prevent them from accessing services on their own.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:


Some of what you'll do:

• Provide case management for people with social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments of varying degrees.
• Complete program assessments and eligibility determination for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs.
• Conduct assessments and create case plans for participants in the WorkFirst program.
• Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans for customers to help achieve self-sufficiency.
• Review and examine cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determine continuing compliance with social services programs.
• Coordinate services with other agencies such as behavioral health, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities.
• Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine client employability or incapacity.
• Provide services collaboratively and with empathy and respect.
• Interview clients and provide a comprehensive assessment of vocational, educational, social, and health history.
• Authorize referrals to medical specialists and referrals to other agencies.
• Performs home and alternate site visits to assist customers experiencing poverty.

Who should apply:
The minimum qualifications for Social Service Specialist 1-2 in training opportunities are:

• Four years of prior social service experience, or similar experience.

OR

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field.

Upon successful completion of the in-training plan of approximately 12 months, an individual hired as a Social Service Specialist 1-2 In Training, will promote to a Social Service Specialist 2.

Upon promotion to Social Service Specialist 2, there will be a six-month trial service period with additional required training to successfully complete trial service.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we're looking for:

• Customer service – Demonstrated ability to serve the public with respect, concern, and professionalism, even in challenging or emotionally charged situations.
• Assessment skills – Ability to identify client strengths, limitations, and needs during home or alternate site visits to inform service planning.
• Verbal communication – Ability to explain complex services or eligibility processes in everyday language clients can understand.
• Written communication – Skilled at documenting findings, observations, and case narratives clearly and accurately.
• Organizational awareness – Knowledge of social service structures and available resources within the community and the department.
• Crisis management – Comfort in responding to unpredictable or high-stress client interactions with professionalism and empathy.
• Technology proficiency – Ability to effectively use automated software systems for case documentation, communication, and service coordination.

Interested? Apply today!
Please submit the following with you application:

• 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? Please contact sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 01398.

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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