DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington•Snohomish County – Lynnwood, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist with the Economic Services Administration’s (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) in Lynnwood, where you will provide vital, client-centered support to individuals and families working to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. In this role, you will conduct in-depth assessments, develop employability plans, and deliver ongoing case management to support clients with a wide range of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and physical challenges that impact economic independence. Working collaboratively with your team, you will coordinate services, connect clients to resources, and engage respectfully with individuals in both office and home settings to support equitable and meaningful outcomes.

Requirements

Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interview clients and collaborate with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys, and stakeholders.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with management, peers, clients, and the public.
Demonstrated ability to engage and work effectively with diverse populations.
Skill in managing challenging interactions, including working with individuals who may be hostile or in crisis.
Ability to remain organized and effective in a high-volume, fast-paced, and potentially stressful work environment.
Proficiency in using computers and navigating multiple electronic systems simultaneously.
Ability to assess situations, apply critical thinking, and support resolution through crisis intervention strategies.
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 four or more years.
Employees must successfully complete the division-sponsored training program within 18 months of appointment.
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 a closely related field, and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1; OR A bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields, and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training program within one year of 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

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.

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing case management and coordinate referrals to community resources such as behavioral health services, substance use treatment, medical care, education, and employment supports.
Interpret medical and psychological information, collaborating with medical professionals to assess functional limitations and determine program eligibility.
Facilitate SSI/SSA application and appeal processes by coordinating evaluations, gathering medical evidence, and completing psychosocial assessments.
Interprets objective medical evidence to determine eligibility for programs.
Assess and/or staff individuals with physical and/or mental health issues with medical professionals regarding the person’s condition and how it impacts their ability to function in a normal work environment.
Conduct Social Service Assessment with applicants and recipients for physical and psychological limitations to determine disability/incapacity eligibility.