DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 5

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 Stevenson, Washington. Description In this role, you will provide supervision to professional social service specialists to assist disabled individuals of the Community Services Division (CSD) in obtaining federal Social Security benefits and/or other programs administered by CSD. Some of what you'll do 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. Required to complete these social services and advocacy functions while observing strict HIPAA confidentiality rules as documented in DSHS Administrative Policy 5.01. 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. Case management to individuals with varying degrees of vocational, social cultural, medical or mental health impairments that hinder economic independence. Working with specialized groups of individuals, including pregnant and parenting teens and adults and individuals with substance abuse issues. Processing 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). Who should apply? 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. NOTE: 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. NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within eighteen months of their appointment. Additional Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Supervision: Assigns and monitors work across social work units, reviews case plans for appropriateness, and addresses performance issues with clear, constructive feedback. Coaching: Mentors staff through complex cases and supports professional growth through formal training and ongoing guidance. Policy knowledge: Applies state and federal welfare laws, WorkFirst program rules, and public assistance regulations accurately and consistently across the unit. Critical thinking: Analyzes caseloads, identifies trends, and recommends strategies that help clients move toward independence. Decision‑making: Makes sound, independent judgments in complex situations involving mental health, domestic violence, housing instability, and other barriers to employment. Communication: Conveys information clearly in writing and verbally to staff, partner agencies, management, and the public across a wide range of situations. Relationship building: Develops cooperative working relationships with staff, contracted providers, and community organizations based on mutual respect and shared goals. Technical proficiency: Uses agency systems including eJAS, ACES, and Barcode, along with standard office software, to complete work accurately and efficiently. Organizational skills: Manages workflow, balances competing priorities, and coordinates scheduling to keep the unit operating effectively. Interested? Apply today! The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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. Questions? Please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io or call Talent Acquisition main line View phone number on click.appcast.io and reference job number 05389. Supplemental Information 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. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. Read About Our Benefits The following information describes typical benefits available for full‑time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full‑time work (e.g. part‑time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full‑time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer‑contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rated basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357‑58‑175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357‑31‑165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington