DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 5

State of Washington•Grays Harbor County – Aberdeen, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

DSHS ESA- Social Service Supervisor - Social Service Specialist 5 Are you a leader who believes strong teams create stronger outcomes for the communities they serve? DSHS's Economic Services Administration (ESA) is seeking a Social Service Supervisor to lead a social work team located in Aberdeen, Washington. In this role, you will provide supervision to professional social service specialist to assist disabled individuals of Community Servies Division (CSD) in obtaining federal Social Security benefits and /or other programs administered by CSD. Please note: This position is 100% in-office. See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Requirements

One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4
Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3
Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2
A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3
A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND five years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2
A combination of higher education (in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field) and paid social service experience totaling at least nine years.
Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division 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

A two year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Responsibilities

Interviewing and assessing individuals with possible physical and mental disabilities, obtaining and reviewing complex medical evidence, inputting medical and social service information in DSHS electronic case records and Social Security web-based application systems, monitoring case progress in both systems, acting as an advocate for clients and providing liaison to treatment services, and to staff working for Disability Determination Services and Social Security
Create, implement, monitor and modify case plans for achieving individual economic and social self-support
Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to access and determine employability/incapacity
Observe strict HIPAA confidentiality rules as documented in DSHS Administrative Policy 5.01
Provide intensive social services to WorkFirst adults who require extra assistance and support in order to participate in WorkFirst activities such as assessing and determining employability, job readiness and vocational education and training needs
Provide case management to individuals with varying degrees of vocational, social cultural, medical or mental health impairments that hinder economic independence
Work with specialized groups of individuals, including pregnant and parenting teens and adults and individuals with substance abuse issues
Process medical incapacity determinations received over the counter, DMS and through interactive case management interviews and will process all case actions into the appropriate computer programs (ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-Jas and ICMS)
Assign and monitor work across social work units, review case plans for appropriateness, and address performance issues with clear, constructive feedback.
Mentor staff through complex cases and support professional growth through formal training and ongoing guidance.
Apply state and federal welfare laws, WorkFirst program rules, and public assistance regulations accurately and consistently across the unit.
Analyze caseloads, identify trends, and recommend strategies that help clients move toward independence.
Make sound, independent judgments in complex situations involving mental health, domestic violence, housing instability, and other barriers to employment.
Convey information clearly in writing and verbally to staff, partner agencies, management, and the public across a wide range of situations.
Develop cooperative working relationships with staff, contracted providers, and community organizations based on mutual respect and shared goals.
Use agency systems including eJAS, ACES, and Barcode, along with standard office software, to complete work accurately and efficiently.
Manage workflow, balance competing priorities, and coordinate scheduling to keep the unit operating effectively.