What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3 - Lead position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3 - Lead
The Economic Services Administration , Community Services Division is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 in the Kelso Community Services Office. Our ideal applicant will be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently. Join us in our mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources In this role, you will serve as a lead worker to a team of Social Service Specialist 2s and provide professional-level social services to individuals and/or families who have barriers to self-sufficiency. This position will include completing in-depth assessments, employability plans, and providing case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and/or physical impairments hindering economic independence.
Some Of What You'll Do
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00628.
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 3 - Lead
The Economic Services Administration , Community Services Division is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 in the Kelso Community Services Office. Our ideal applicant will be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently. Join us in our mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources In this role, you will serve as a lead worker to a team of Social Service Specialist 2s and provide professional-level social services to individuals and/or families who have barriers to self-sufficiency. This position will include completing in-depth assessments, employability plans, and providing case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and/or physical impairments hindering economic independence.
Some Of What You'll Do
- Assist and complete audits for ABD/HEN & WorkFirst cases and review these with members of the team for any ongoing coaching needs.
- Assigns, prioritizes and reviews working assignments of Social Service Specialists; provides consultation and direction in the handling of those cases; delegates duties to staff as appropriate; schedules unit staff to ensure maximum service to individuals, while meeting staff needs.
- Implements and interprets policy and procedure at the case level
- Assists staff to understand their professional responsibility and to carry out agency policy and comply with the laws which govern children’s services.
- Support staff in questions with their respective client and best ways to help them obtain self-sufficiency.
- Interprets objective medical evidence to determine eligibility for programs.
- Assess and/or staff individuals with physical or mental health issues with medical professionals in regards to the person’s condition and how it impacts their ability to function in a normal work environment.
- Be available and continue to build community relations and partnerships.
- Onboard new SSS staff to basic essentials of the unit.
- Trains new and existing professional staff in the law, policies and procedures governing their job assignments and career development planning; trains staff in gathering accurate and complete information, organizing information and case decision-making.
- 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 in a diverse and stressful environment
- Ability to defuse a hostile situation
- Willingness to work with hard-to-serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent individuals
- Ability to work at a computer handling multiple electronic systems simultaneously
- Ability to be present and on time for the scheduled work shift
- Ability to evaluate and facilitate resolution through crisis intervention
- One year as a Social Service Specialist 2
- A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- 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 2.
- 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.
- Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment
- Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education
- Cover letter
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00628.
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.
