What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? DSHS’s Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) is looking for a full-time Social Service Specialist to join our team in Walla Walla, WA.
This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to show your compassion every day, positively impacting the lives of Washingtonians. By joining DSHS, you'll be stepping into a role that opens doors to a fulfilling career in public service, where your work truly matters.
Be the change in your community. Apply today!See why others like you have chosen a career with DSHS:
In this SSS2 role, you will complete in-depth assessments, and employability plans and provide case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and/or physical impairments hindering economic independence.
Some of what you will 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
Who should apply?
- A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1
- Or, a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience
- Or, a Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum
- Or, 12 months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1
- Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education
What we're looking for?
- Effective verbal and written communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners
- Consistent ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness
- Successful at de-escalation in situations
- Willingness and commitment to work with underserved, homeless, people with mental illness, and chemically dependent clients
- Ability to use automated software applications
Interested? Submit your application today!
Questions? Please contact jesus.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number 2025-00429.
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
Supplemental 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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