DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington•King County - Seattle - N. Seattle, WA

4d•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 King North Community Services Office, located in the north end of Seattle, 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

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 an allied field, AND one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience.
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.
OR 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 1.
OR An equivalent combination of education/experience totaling six or more years.
Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within eighteen months of their 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

Screen and refer people for medical, psychiatric, and other tests.
Conduct assessments to determine an individual's level of functioning including evaluating education, social history, living situation, and employment history, as well as physical and mental status.
Review and interpret medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs.
Authorize additional referrals to medical specialists when indicated by medical evidence.
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.
Participate in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants.
Document case activity in appropriate computer programs.