DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

Social Service Specialist 2

The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at the King North Community Services Office, located in the north end of Seattle, WA. As a Social Service Specialist 2, you will provide professional-level social services to a caseload of individuals and families who face barriers to self-sufficiency. You will conduct comprehensive assessments, develop employability and service plans, interpret medical evidence, and coordinate services that support participation in the WorkFirst program and eligibility for Aged, Blind, and Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs (ABD/HEN) programs, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pathways. Please note: This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners.

Some of what you'll do:

• Screen and refer people for medical, psychiatric, and other tests.
• Conduct assessments to determine an individual's level of functioning including evaluating education, social history, living situation, and employment history, as well as physical and mental status.
• Review and interpret medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs.
• Authorize additional referrals to medical specialists when indicated by medical evidence.
• Stay up to date on community resources and referral sources for medical, mental, and chemical dependency treatment.
• Develop individualized case plans to provide specific action steps as a result of assessment findings.
• Participate in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants.
• Document case activity in appropriate computer programs

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Comfort supporting people with complex needs: Ability to partner with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use needs, offering grounded, consistent support in a respectful and nonjudgmental way.
• Client-focused planning: Skill in listening deeply, understanding each person's circumstances, and using that information to shape assessments, case plans, and participation requirements that support stability and progress.
• Clear, respectful communication: Ability to interact with clients, coworkers, medical providers, and community partners with tact, professionalism, and courtesy — even during challenging conversations or emotionally charged moments.
• Assessment and decision-making: Capability to interpret medical documentation, determine eligibility pathways, take timely case actions, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment with competing demands.
• Technical and regulatory proficiency: Comfort using multiple automated systems and applying program manuals, the Washington Administrative Code, and agency procedures to ensure accurate, policy-aligned work.
• Adaptability and conflict management: Skill in navigating change, managing stress, and de-escalating conflict while maintaining focus, professionalism, and a steady presence for the people you support.

Who should apply?

• 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. OR
• An equivalent combination of education/experience totaling six or more years.

Note: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services. Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within eighteen months of their appointment.

Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job number #06045.

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. 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. 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, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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