What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In-Training position at State of Washington?
If you are ready to embark on the next step of your social service career, consider this exciting opportunity. The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division is currently seeking a Social Service Specialist to join our team in our Community Services Office located in Vancouver, Washington. This position is dedicated to the SSI Facilitation Team, where staff will be responsible for facilitating disability claims for Social Security.
You will provide professional social services to assist individuals applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division. Your expertise and experience will significantly enhance and support DSHS initiatives.
This role has an optional hybrid schedule once training is complete.
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Some of what you'll do:
- Interviewing and assessing individuals with possible physical and mental disabilities as well as other barriers to employment.
- Assisting individuals in completing applications for Social Security benefits and monitoring application timelines.
- Obtaining and reviewing complex medical evidence.
- Documenting medical and social service information in DSHS electronic case records and Social Security web-based application systems; monitoring case progress in both systems.
- Acting as an advocate or liaison for clients to treatment services, community partners, Disability Determination Services and the Social Security Administration.
- Stay up to date on community resources and referral sources for medical, mental, and chemical dependency treatment.
- Develop individualized case plans to provide specific action steps as a result of assessment findings.
- Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine employability.
What we're looking for:
- Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness.
- Ability to work collaboratively.
- Ability to work with individuals with barriers, including chronically homeless, mentally ill, and substance use disorders.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Problem solving, conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
- Ability to multitask in an environment of change.
- Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders.
- Awareness and sensitivity to diversity and cultural differences when engaging with clients.
- Ability to use automated software applications.
- Working knowledge of the Social Security application process, including familiarity with filling out Social Security Administration forms.
This is an In-Training opportunity SSS 1-2. Social Service Specialist Level is determined at time of hire based on experience and education. Click here to learn more about SSS1 and SSS2 job classes.
Who should apply?
In addition to applicants who meet the qualifications for the Social Service Specialist 2 position, we also consider professionals for a Social Service Specialist 1-2 In-Training opportunity. The minimum qualifications for this in-training position 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 a related field.
Upon successful completion of an approximately 12-month in-training plan, individuals hired as a Social Service Specialist 1 In-Training will be promoted to Social Service Specialist 2. Following this promotion, there will be a six-month trial service period, which includes additional required training to successfully complete the trial service.
Please attach the following with your application:
- A current chronological resume.
- A cover letter detailing your skills as it relates to the “What we are looking for” section of this announcement.
- Three professional references with phone numbers and email addresses.
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.
Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02806.
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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Salary : $4,517 - $6,876
