What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a compassionate and skilled Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at the Capitol Hill Community Services Office in Seattle, WA. This full-time, on-site position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.
As a Social Service Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting individuals applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division. Your duties will include conducting home visits, performing comprehensive assessments of individuals’ needs, and developing individualized case plans. You will also collaborate with community partners and agencies to ensure clients receive the necessary support for their success. By managing cases, providing crisis intervention, and facilitating access to essential resources, your work will help individuals navigate complex systems and improve their quality of life.
This position is ideal for someone committed to supporting individuals in need, ensuring compliance with program guidelines, and delivering services with professionalism and respect. Join us and use your skills to collaborate with others, providing essential support, care, and resources that empower individuals to take control of their own lives.
Some Of What You'll Do
Who should apply?
Qualifications
In addition to candidates 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
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00559.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a compassionate and skilled Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at the Capitol Hill Community Services Office in Seattle, WA. This full-time, on-site position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.
As a Social Service Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting individuals applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division. Your duties will include conducting home visits, performing comprehensive assessments of individuals’ needs, and developing individualized case plans. You will also collaborate with community partners and agencies to ensure clients receive the necessary support for their success. By managing cases, providing crisis intervention, and facilitating access to essential resources, your work will help individuals navigate complex systems and improve their quality of life.
This position is ideal for someone committed to supporting individuals in need, ensuring compliance with program guidelines, and delivering services with professionalism and respect. Join us and use your skills to collaborate with others, providing essential support, care, and resources that empower individuals to take control of their own lives.
Some Of What You'll Do
- Conduct home visits and assessments to evaluate vulnerable or disabled individuals and develop individualized case plans based on their needs.
- Perform professional-level assessments, reviewing education, social history, living situations, and physical/mental health status to determine eligibility for programs.
- Provide ongoing case management, including periodic reassessment and referrals for medical, mental health, housing, and vocational resources.
- Collaborate with community partners and agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, Division of Disability Determination, and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, to ensure coordinated client support.
- Explain program requirements, eligibility criteria, and legal considerations while issuing support services like EBT benefits or fuel cards.
- Document client interactions and activities while ensuring compliance with program rules and reporting requirements.
- Offer crisis intervention and facilitate access to resources for immediate needs, including medical, mental health, and chemical dependency treatment.
- Participate in case staffing, training sessions, and conferences while staying informed about program updates and community resources.
- Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders.
- Ability to serve the public with respect, courtesy, and responsiveness, demonstrating genuine concern for others.
- Ability to defuse hostile situations and manage conflict effectively.
- Willingness to work with hard-to-serve populations, including individuals who are chronically homeless, mentally ill, or chemically dependent.
- Proficiency in using automated software applications to manage tasks and workflows efficiently.
Who should apply?
Qualifications
In addition to candidates 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:
- Four years of prior social service experience or similar experience.
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field.
Interested?
Along With Your Application, Please Include
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00559.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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