DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

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

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

Social Service Specialist 3 - Leadworker DSHS partners with people across Washington to access support, care, and resources. As a Social Service Leadworker with DSHS's Economic Services Administration, based at the Seattle Capitol Hill Community Services Office, you will guide and train Social Service Specialist staff, helping them deliver accurate and timely benefits to those seeking assistance. You will review casework, mentor and train new staff, and help interpret policy at the case level, and conduct audits. You will also step in as backup supervisor when the direct supervisor is away, and you may carry a caseload directly when coverage is needed. Your work shapes how well Region 2 serves people applying for cash, food, and medical assistance. When you train staff well and identify possible issues early, people get accurate decisions faster and receive higher standards in customer service. Please note: After the initial onboarding and training period, you may be able to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. Some travel is required for this position, visiting clients at alternative locations as well as other CSO locations within region 2 to audit work practices, conduct job coaching, or attend meetings and trainings.

Requirements

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• 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 2.
• Equivalent education/experience totaling at least 6 years.
• A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that include a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
• 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 sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
• Coaching: Guides new Social Service Specialist 2 staff through training and on-the-job practice.
• Communication: Communicates clearly to staff, clients, and community partners both verbally and in writing.
• Trusted judgment: Reviews medical and case information to support accurate, fair decisions.
• Organization: Tracks deadlines, caseload coverage, and reporting.
• Collaboration: Builds working relationships with medical providers, attorneys, and community partners.
• Equity and cultural respect: Identifies and removes potential barriers and gives people fair, equal access to services.
• Adaptability: Moves between multiple computer systems and shifting daily priorities.
• Leadership: Steps in as backup supervisor and helps assign and prioritize unit work.
• Technology: Confident using a variety of applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and case management systems - and able to assist staff with troubleshooting usage issues.

Responsibilities

• Train and coach Social Service Specialist staff.
• Interpret policy and procedure at the case level and share updates with staff.
• Provide program and systems training to new and current staff.
• Build on-the-job training plans in partnership with direct supervisors.
• Audit cases and track corrections to support program integrity.
• Assign, prioritize, and review work assignments alongside direct supervisors.
• Assist SSI and SSDI applications for TANF and Aged, Blind, and Disabled clients, including reviewing medical evidence.
• Coordinate medical exams and gather documents to support disability applications.
• Serve as backup supervisor when the direct supervisor is on leave or unavailable.
• Conduct home or alternative site visits for applicants and recipients who cannot come into the office.
• Screen and assist individuals in accessing VA benefits.
• Prepare monthly reports.
• Document case management activity using technology such as ACES, ICMS, Barcode, and other required systems.

What This Job Offers

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