What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In Training position at State of Washington?
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In-Training
Are you ready to take the next step in your social services career? The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist to join our team in Omak Community Services Office. In this role, you will provide direct support to individuals applying for or receiving benefits by conducting comprehensive assessments, interpreting medical reports, and developing tailored action plans to address each client’s unique needs. Your expertise will be crucial in connecting clients to essential medical, mental health, and community resources, ensuring they receive the support needed to improve their well-being.
In addition to the core responsibilities, the selected individual will also work with the ABD/HEN (Aged, Blind, Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs Referral Program) and WorkFirst programs, further enhancing the scope and impact of their role.
This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. If you’re passionate about making a difference and have a strong background in social services, we invite you to apply and become an integral part of our mission-driven team!
Community Service in Action
Some of what you'll do:
What we're looking for:
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 In-Training opportunity. The minimum qualifications for this in-training position are:
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
Questions? Please contact sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov OR call Talent Acquisition's main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 00644.
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 anPrior 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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Are you ready to take the next step in your social services career? The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist to join our team in Omak Community Services Office. In this role, you will provide direct support to individuals applying for or receiving benefits by conducting comprehensive assessments, interpreting medical reports, and developing tailored action plans to address each client’s unique needs. Your expertise will be crucial in connecting clients to essential medical, mental health, and community resources, ensuring they receive the support needed to improve their well-being.
In addition to the core responsibilities, the selected individual will also work with the ABD/HEN (Aged, Blind, Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs Referral Program) and WorkFirst programs, further enhancing the scope and impact of their role.
This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. If you’re passionate about making a difference and have a strong background in social services, we invite you to apply and become an integral part of our mission-driven team!
Community Service in Action
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 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 In-Training opportunity. The minimum qualifications for this in-training position are:
For Social Services Specialist 1 (In Training)
A Bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field.
Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within eighteen months of their appointment.
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
For Social Services Specialist 2
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: 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
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- Updated Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions? Please contact sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov OR call Talent Acquisition's main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 00644.
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 anPrior 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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Salary : $4,517 - $6,876
