DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington • Grays Harbor County – Aberdeen, WA

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at the Aberdeen Community Services Office. This position is dedicated to the SSI Facilitation Team, where staff will be responsible for facilitating disability claims for Social Security. You will provide professional social services to assist individuals applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division. Your expertise and experience will significantly enhance and support DSHS initiatives. Please note: This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. This role has an optional hybrid schedule once training is complete.

Requirements

• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to work with individuals with barriers, including chronically homeless, mentally ill, and substance used disorder
• Strong organizational skills
• Problem solving, conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
• Ability to multitask in an environment of change
• Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders
• Awareness and sensitivity to diversity and cultural differences when engaging with clients
• Ability to use automated software applications
• Working knowledge of the Social Security application process, including familiarity with filing out Social Security Administration forms
• Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 AND completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, 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, or an allied field, AND two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1 .
• Comfort 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 procedures to ensure accurate, policy-aligned work
• Adaptability and conflict management: Skill in navigating change, managing stress, and de-escalating conflict while maintaining focus, professionalism, and a steady presence for the people you support

Nice To Haves

• 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 within eighteen months of their appointment.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing and assessing individuals with possible physical and mental disabilities as well as other barriers to employment
• Assisting individuals in completing applications for Social Security benefits and monitoring application timelines
• Obtaining and reviewing complex medical evidence
• Documenting medical and social service information in DSHS electronic case records and Social Security web-based application systems: monitoring case progress in both systems
• Acting as an advocate or liaison for clients to treatment services, community partners, Disability Determination Services and the Social Security Administration
• 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
• Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine employability

Benefits

• Fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS
• Support for all Washingtonians, 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level