DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2

State of Washington•Cowlitz County – Kelso, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 in training - Social Security Income Facilitation. The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 1-2 to join our Supplemental Security Income Facilitator team. In this position, you’ll help individuals who face significant barriers gather the documentation needed for their federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications and appeals. Your work will involve interpreting medical information, conducting thorough psychosocial assessments, collaborating with medical providers and the Social Security Administration, and supporting people whose physical, mental, educational, or social challenges impact their economic stability. This is an onsite role with some travel for home or alternate-site visits when clients cannot safely or effectively come into the office. Our ideal applicant will be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently. You’ll be part of a regional, centralized SSIF team that values coordination, respect, and clear communication. This position has an optional training plan. You could either be hired at the Social Services Specialist 2, if you meet the minimum qualifications for that job class, or as a Social Service Specialist 1 with a training plan. 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.

Requirements

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 an allied field.
Equivalent education/experience
Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within eighteen months of their appointment.
Be comfortable supporting people with complex needs: Ability to partner with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use needs, offering grounded, consistent support in a respectful and nonjudgmental way.
Client-focused planning: Skill in listening deeply, understanding each person’s circumstances, and using that information to shape assessments, case plans, and participation requirements that support stability and progress.
Clear, respectful communication: Ability to interact with clients, coworkers, medical providers, and community partners with tact, professionalism, and courtesy — even during challenging conversations or emotionally charged moments.
Assessment and decision-making: Capability to interpret medical documentation, determine eligibility pathways, take timely case actions, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment with competing demands.
Technical and regulatory proficiency: Comfort using multiple automated systems and applying program manuals, the Washington Administrative Code, and agency and federal procedures to ensure accurate, policy-aligned work.
Adaptability and conflict management: Skill in navigating change, managing stress, and de-escalating conflict while maintaining focus, empathy and professionalism for the people you support.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals receiving TANF or Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) benefits in completing SSI application and appeal packets.
Conduct psychosocial assessments to understand each person’s medical, social, vocational, cultural, educational, and psychological history.
Gather, review, and interpret medical information to understand diagnoses, prognosis, and functional limits relevant to the SSI claim.
Serve as a liaison with SSA, Disability Determination Services, medical providers, attorneys, and social service partners to support the SSI determination process.
Track all SSI facilitation steps and ensure required deadlines—particularly appeal timelines—are met.
Document all case actions and client interactions in multiple electronic systems, including ICMS, eJAS, Barcode, and ACES.
Participate in home or alternate-site visits when a client cannot come to the office due to physical, cognitive, or behavioral barriers.
Monitor SSI-related outcomes and run reports for local, regional, and statewide use.
Facilitate transitions to other federal medical programs as appropriate.
Cross-train in ABD/TANF policies to ensure accurate referrals, documentation, and program awareness.
Provide referrals to community resources and supports.
Review invoices to ensure charges for referred evaluations and medical evidence are in accordance with State maximums.
Carry out other duties as assigned.