Social Services Specialist

Full‑time Social Services Specialist position available for Sea Mar's MSS Department in Federal Way, WA. The organization requires all staff to be up‑to‑date with COVID‑19 and flu vaccinations. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Introduces clients to integrated MSS services (either in‑home or at clinic) and performs systematic social services screening to determine current status and needs in a variety of areas. Based on identified client needs, makes referrals to appropriate agencies/services or provides information and assists clients for self‑referral. Provides advocacy as needed to encourage participation in implementing the care plan or to resolve problems which are interfering with active participation in the care plan (e.g., transportation or language barrier). Charts notes of the services provided as required by the state and agency in Sea Mar's Electronic Health Records. Assists client in accomplishing tasks necessary to access services such as filling out appropriate forms, obtaining necessary documentation or authorization. Maintains professional standards and follows the treatment policies and procedures of the agency, as well as applicable federal, state and local regulations. Complete a thorough, culturally sensitive, psychosocial assessment which includes (but is not limited to): personal history (cultural background, health status, coping strategies, mental health status, substance use, abuse and violence), current family functioning, review of support systems (formal and informal), and basic physical needs. This assessment is shared with the client and team members to assure that all relevant psychosocial issues are addressed in the care planning. Participate fully in all interdisciplinary team meetings to provide input on the client's assessed psychosocial needs and on interdisciplinary team plans for client. The goal is to build family strengths and resiliency. Productivity expectation: 20 or more client encounters per week for full‑time work. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and current Certified Counselor through the State of Washington Department of Health or Chemical Dependency Counselor. Experience working with underserved populations such as, but not limited to, those who have limited English speaking skills, are homeless, and migrant and seasonal workers. Experience working with patients who have substance use disorders, chronic mental illness, and those who require crisis intervention. Experience working with safety‑net providers within the community and broad knowledge of community resources to facilitate whole‑person care. Knowledge of evidence‑based screening tools (PHQ‑9, GAD‑7, AUDIT, DAST, etc.) and the ability to use these tools as part of a framework to make appropriate level‑of‑care interventions and referrals for patients as needed. Good working knowledge and skills in using electronic health record platforms, external registries, as well as the Microsoft suite of programs in order to document patient services, develop and run reports, etc. Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred, but not required. Must be open to using an interpreter. BENEFITS Medical coverage Dental coverage Vision coverage Prescription coverage Life insurance Long‑term disability Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Paid time off starting at 24 days per year 10 paid holidays 401(k)/Retirement options Sea Mar is an equal opportunity employer and serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. #J-18808-Ljbffr