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 full-time Social Service Specialist to join our team in Auburn, WA.
This position will work fully onsite at the Auburn Community Services Office.
You will provide professional social services to assist individuals applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division. Your knowledge and experience will help support our mission.
King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
Some of what you'll do:
- Screen and refer people for medical, psychiatric, and other tests.
- Conduct assessments to determine an individual's level of functioning including evaluating education, social history, living situation, and employment history, as well as physical and mental status.
- Review and interpret medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs.
- Authorize additional referrals to medical specialists when indicated by medical evidence.
- 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.
- Participate in-home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants.
- Develop a WorkFirst individual responsibility plan.
- Outreach with clients and partners in a community setting as needed.
What we're looking for:
- Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders.
- Ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
- Ability to defuse a hostile situation.
- Willingness to work with hard-to-serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent individuals.
- Ability to use automated software applications.
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 the links to learn more about SSS1 and SSS2 job classes.
Who should apply?
SSS1 Level
A Bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field.
Or
Equivalent education/experience.
Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within eighteen months of their appointment.
SSS2 Level
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.
Note: Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
Note: 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.
Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within one year of their appointment.
Include the following with your application:- A current chronological resume.
- A cover letter detailing your experience as it relates to the “What we are looking for” section of this announcement.
- Three professional references.
Questions? Contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference 00746.
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.
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
