DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

State of Washington • Pacific County – Other, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Social and Health Services partners with people across Washington to access support, care, and resources. As a Social Service Specialist 3 in DSHS's Economic Services Administration’s Community Services Division, based in South Bend, WA, you will carry out DSHS's mission directly by providing professional level social services that help people overcome barriers and move toward self-sufficiency. You will meet one on one with WorkFirst applicants and recipients, assess their situation, and build a case plan suited to their circumstances. This includes reviewing medical evidence, developing an Individual Responsibility Plan, and connecting people to services such as mental health counseling, substance use treatment, education, and job training. Many of the people you serve are managing a disability, a health condition, or the demands of caring for a young child while working toward independence. The work has a direct effect on daily operations at the South Bend Community Services Office and on outcomes for the families served. A well-built case plan can help a parent secure child care, a person receive needed medical treatment, or a family take a measurable step out of poverty. See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:

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.
• Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
• 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 sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
• Communication: Explains program requirements in clear, simple terms to people who may feel stressed, confused, or frustrated.
• Trusted judgment: Reviews medical and personal information to make fair, accurate eligibility decisions.
• Organization: Manages a full caseload and meets strict deadlines without missing steps.
• Empathy: Listens to people facing hardship and responds without judgment.
• Problem-solving: Works through conflict or crisis situations and finds a workable next step.
• Cultural respect: Treats people from all backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences with fairness and respect.
• Collaboration: Builds working relationships with coworkers, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners.
• Adaptability: Switches between multiple computer systems in a busy, high-volume office.
• Technology: Uses standard office software to document cases and track deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments with WorkFirst applicants and recipients within 30 days of referral.
• Build a case plan based on each person's circumstances and available medical evidence.
• Conduct Pregnancy to Employment assessments for parents who are pregnant or caring for a child under one.
• Develop an Individual Responsibility Plan and refer clients to counseling, treatment, education, or job search services.
• Conduct home or site visits for applicants and recipients who cannot come into the office.
• Review case actions within required timeframes, including overdue components and time limit extensions.
• Review medical evidence to determine eligibility for Federal Supplemental Security Income.
• Collaborate with local SSI facilitators to track applications with Social Security and attorneys.
• Manage cases and referral services for Refugee Cash Assistance customers.
• Respond to administrative hearing inquiries and complete requested case actions.

Benefits

• Fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

What This Job Offers

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