DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2
About The Position
The Economic Services Administration’s Community Services Division is hiring a Social Service Specialist 1 or 2 for its Community Services Office in Yakima, Washington. The role provides professional social services to a caseload of individuals and families facing barriers to self-sufficiency. The specialist conducts comprehensive assessments, develops employability and service plans, interprets medical evidence, and coordinates services supporting WorkFirst participation and eligibility for Aged, Blind, and Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs programs, as well as Supplemental Security Income pathways. This is an on-site position involving hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. The position may be filled at the Social Service Specialist 1 or Social Service Specialist 2 level, depending on qualifications. The work schedule is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, in-office at the Yakima Community Services Office.
Requirements
- For Social Service Specialist 1: 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 at least four years.
- For Social Service Specialist 2: Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program; or a relevant master’s degree and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1; or a relevant bachelor’s degree 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 division-sponsored training program within 18 months of appointment for SSS1; SSS2 employees must successfully complete the formal training program within one year of appointment.
- Ability to support people with complex needs, including people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use needs, in a respectful and nonjudgmental manner.
- Skill in listening to clients and using information about their circumstances to shape assessments, case plans, and participation requirements.
- Ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with clients, coworkers, medical providers, and community partners, including during challenging conversations.
- Ability to interpret medical documentation, determine eligibility pathways, take timely case actions, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfort using multiple automated systems and applying program manuals, the Washington Administrative Code, and agency procedures.
- Ability to adapt to change, manage stress, and de-escalate conflict while maintaining professionalism.
- A valid driver’s license is required for employees driving on state business; employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must have liability insurance.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive assessments for ABD/HEN and WorkFirst programs to identify physical, psychological, vocational, and social barriers to self-sufficiency.
- Develop case plans and Individual Responsibility Plans with clients.
- Review medical evidence to determine incapacity, disability-related exemptions, and eligibility pathways.
- Process ABD/HEN decisions within required timelines.
- Support and track SSI and SSDI applications, including referrals and appeals.
- Monitor WorkFirst participation, review required reports, and take timely action when activities are overdue.
- Complete specialized assessments, including 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.
- Accurately document case actions in agency systems and follow established policies and procedures.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
