DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

Salary: $5,506.00 - $7,399.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-06838
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ESA
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
We are seeking a Social Service Specialist to join the Lakewood Community Service Office (CSO) team. You will provide professional-level social services to individuals and/or families who have barriers to self-sufficiency. You will complete in-depth assessments, medical eligibility determinations, case plans and provide case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and/or physical impairments hindering their economic independence.

Note:

• This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you'll do:

• Interview and conduct comprehensive assessments for ABD/HEN and/or WorkFirst programs, to gather information and assess client strengths and challenges.
• Gather medical records, as well as authorize and schedule appropriate medical evaluations and objective medical testing.
• Review and interpret complex medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs.
• Create, implement and monitor individualized service and treatment plans which provide specific action steps to help clients and their families to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Conduct caseload reviews to assess client progress and program compliance by utilizing reports and following required case activity timelines.
• Document accurate and timely entries into electronic case records.
• Collaborate with and refer clients to services such as counseling, substance abuse assessment centers, medical services, education, work experience, job search activities, and legal aid.
• Utilize a variety of computer applications.
• Seek effective resolution of problems and conflicts, including defusing hostile situations and redirecting frustrations into positive communication and behavior.
• Participate in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments.

We're looking for applicants who demonstrate:

• Willingness and ability to work with hard to serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill and chemically dependent clients.
• Ability to assist and empower each client to achieve their highest level of functioning and independence.
• Consistent ability to interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, tact, concern, courtesy and responsiveness.
• Ability to actively listen to clients and their needs while working collaboratively to develop their participation requirements.
• Capability to complete assessments, interpret medical documents, create case plans and take case actions following program policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Knowledge and ability to learn and utilize various automated programs.
• Ability to read and interpret the Washington Administrative Code and procedural manuals to assist in the determination of eligibility.
• Conflict management skills, including the ability to defuse potentially hostile situations.
• Ability to make critical decisions in a high-volume work environment with multiple demands on your time and attention.
• Capability to work in an environment of constant change.

Who should apply? This position may be filled at the Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1) or Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) level, depending on qualifications.

Social Service Specialist 1 (SSS1)

• A bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a closely related field;
  OR
• A combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling four or more years.

Note: Employees must successfully complete the division-sponsored training program within 18 months of appointment.

Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2)

• 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 a closely related field, and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1;
  OR
• A bachelor's degree in one of the above fields, and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

Additional Information:

• Relevant professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• A two-year master's degree that included a practicum may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Employees must successfully complete the formal training program within one year of appointment.

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

• An updated resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at and reference job number #06838.
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.

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed . Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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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.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

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 nonovertime 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-rata 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 (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (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 , 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

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


Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications for this position?

• (SSS1) I have a bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a closely related field.
• (SSS1) I have a combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling four or more years.
• (SSS2) I have 12 months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and have successfully completed the agency's Social Service Specialist training program.
• (SSS2) I have a master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a closely related field and at least one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
• (SSS2) I have a bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a closely related field and at least two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
• I do not meet any of the qualifications listed above.

02


Please describe your social service experience that qualifies you for this position. Include details such as your role(s), length of experience, populations served, and the types of duties you performed (for example: case management, assessments, investigations, service planning, or coordinating resources).
Required Question