DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington • King County - Seattle - Capitol Hill, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration’s Community Services Division is hiring a full-time Social Service Specialist 2 for its Capitol Hill Community Services Office in Seattle, Washington. The position conducts in-depth assessments, develops employability plans, and provides case management for clients whose vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, or physical challenges affect their economic independence. The role supports Washingtonians in building stability and a path toward self-sufficiency.

The specialist assesses eligibility for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs and works with WorkFirst participants. The position reviews client progress and program compliance, coordinates services with partner agencies, applies medical diagnostic terminology when assessing employability or incapacity, and makes referrals to medical specialists and other agencies. Services are delivered collaboratively and with empathy and respect.

Employees must successfully complete a formal training course within one year of appointment. A background check may be conducted before hire. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license; those using a privately owned vehicle for state business must carry liability insurance. The announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, plus two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1; or a master’s degree in one of those fields plus one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience; or a master’s degree in one of those fields that included a practicum; or 12 months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1. Equivalent education and experience are accepted.
• Additional professional experience may substitute year for year for the required education.
• A two-year master’s degree in a listed field that included a practicum substitutes for one year of paid social service experience.
• Successfully complete the formal training course within one year of appointment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills for interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
• Ability to defuse a hostile situation.
• Willingness to work with hard-to-serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent individuals.
• Ability to use automated software applications.
• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license. Employees using a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management for people with social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments of varying degrees.
• Complete program assessments and determine eligibility for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs.
• Assess WorkFirst participants and create case plans for them.
• Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans to help customers achieve self-sufficiency.
• Review cases periodically to assess client progress and continuing compliance with social services programs.
• Coordinate services with agencies such as behavioral health, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities.
• Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine client employability or incapacity.
• Provide services collaboratively and with empathy and respect.
• Interview clients and conduct comprehensive assessments of vocational, educational, social, and health history.
• Authorize referrals to medical specialists and other agencies.

Benefits

• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
• Eligible King County employees may receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

What This Job Offers

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