DSHS ESA CSD Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington•Cowlitz County – Kelso, WA

2d•Onsite

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 Community Services Office, located in Kelso, WA. As a Social Service Specialist 2, you will provide professional-level social services to a caseload of individuals and families who face barriers to self-sufficiency. You will conduct comprehensive assessments, develop employability and service plans, interpret medical evidence, and coordinate services that support participation in the WorkFirst program and eligibility for Aged, Blind, and Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs (ABD/HEN) programs, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pathways. This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a closely related field; OR A combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling four or more years.
Twelve months of experience 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 a closely related field, and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1; OR A bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields, and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
Relevant professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
A two-year master’s degree that included a practicum may substitute for one year of required experience.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training program within one year of appointment.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive social service assessments for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs programs (ABD/HEN) and the WorkFirst program to identify physical, psychological, vocational, and social barriers to self-sufficiency.
Develop clear case plans and Individual Responsibility Plans with each person you serve.
Review medical evidence to determine incapacity, disability-related exemptions, and eligibility pathways.
Process Aged, Blind, and Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs decisions within required timelines.
Support and track Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance applications, including referrals and appeals.
Monitor WorkFirst participation, review required reports, and take timely action when activities are overdue.
Complete specialized assessments such as Pregnancy to Employment and Time Limit Extensions.
Coordinate services with medical providers, mental health professionals, chemical dependency treatment providers, domestic violence advocates, and community partners.
Document all case actions accurately in agency systems and follow established policies and procedures.