DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

Overview

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 The Economic Services Administration's, Community Services Division, is currently seeking a full-time Social Service Specialist 2 to join the Pierce South Community Service Office team located in Tacoma, WA. If you’re looking for meaningful work that blends problem-solving, social service expertise, and direct support to people facing significant barriers, this role may be perfect for you.

In this position, you’ll provide professional social services to individuals and families navigating complex physical, mental, social, and economic challenges. This role supports Work First, Pregnancy-to-Employment assessments, and disability/incapacity assessments, and will coordinate SSI facilitation by gathering medical evidence and coordinating evaluations. Your work helps people build stability, understand expectations, access services, and move toward greater independence. It requires compassion, strong communication, and the ability to work effectively in a high-volume environment.

Note: This is an in-office position located at 1301

E. 72nd St., Tacoma, WA 98404. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

• Complete Work First assessments and develop case plans using all relevant information, including medical evidence.
• Conduct Pregnancy-to-Employment assessments to identify risks and determine participation ability.
• Create and update Individual Responsibility Plans and coordinate referrals to community services.
• Conduct home or alternate-site visits to evaluate circumstances and complete required assessments.
• Complete Social Service Assessments to determine disability or incapacity eligibility and interpret medical evidence.
• Consult with medical professionals to understand how physical or mental conditions affect functional ability.
• Facilitate SSI claims by coordinating evaluations, gathering medical evidence, preparing psychosocial assessments, monitoring applications, and responding to appeals.
• Provide Work First Orientation, explaining program expectations and available supports.
• Issue EBT cards and provide instruction on their proper use.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and supervisory conferences.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Clear communication; able to interview effectively and communicate with clients, partners, and providers.
• Crisis intervention; able to de-escalate and address urgent or hostile situations.
• Cultural responsiveness; able to work respectfully with diverse populations.
• Professional conduct; able to provide courteous, responsive service in challenging situations.
• Workload management; able to function in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Technical skill; able to navigate multiple electronic systems simultaneously.

Professionals with either:

• 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 an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience. 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.
• OR 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 1.

NOTE:

Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within eighteen months of appointment. Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services. Equivalent education/experience.

Interested? Please contact saleen.hernandez.gov and reference job number 08818.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history may be conducted. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license and, if using a privately owned vehicle, must have liability insurance. EEO statement and benefits information follow as required by law.

Equal employment opportunity Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, veteran status, disability, or other protected status. People requiring accommodation may contact the Recruiter to request an alternative format.

E-Verify and related program information may be included as applicable.