DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 Are you committed to helping individuals and families overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency? The Economic Services Administration(ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at the Bellingham Community Services Office. Description DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 Are you committed to helping individuals and families overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency? The Economic Services Administration(ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at the Bellingham Community Services Office. 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 programs, as well as Supplemental Security Income pathways. Please note: This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. See Why People Like You Chose Careers With DSHS Some of what you'll do: Screen and refer individuals for medical, psychiatric and other tests Conduct social services professional level assessments to determine individual’s level of functioning including evaluating the education, social history, living situation, and employment history as well as a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s physical and mental status Review and interpret medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs administered by Community Services Division, Social Service Administration and determine need for further treatment Authorize additional referrals to medical specials when indicated by medical evidence Review invoices to ensure charges for specific procedures are in accordance with State maximums Interview individuals to assess vocational and social history; use this information as a factor in determining present ability to perform gainful employment Make payment for medical evidence through SSPS or eJAS Provide case management services on an on-going basis, where appropriate, to include periodic reassessment and changes in the case plan. The case plan or individualized responsibility plan may include, but is not limited to: Treatment for medical or mental health concerns, including monitoring participation SSI Facilitation Establishing linkages to housing, community and medical resources Protective Payee Services Treatment for chemical dependency, including monitoring of participation Vocational resources, utilizing WorkForce partners (such as Employee Security) Document social service specialists and client activity in ICMS and eJAS Other duties as assigned Who should apply? Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 AND completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program. A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND one year as a Social Service Specialist 1or equivalent paid social service experience; A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1. NOTE: 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. NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within eighteen months of their appointment. Additional Knowledge, Skills And Abilities We Are Looking For 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 Along With Your On-line Application, Please Submit Cover Letter Resume Three professional references Questions? Contact DSHS Recruiter and reference 07548. 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 (Necoti) 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 here(Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position. 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. 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 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, 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 Which of the following best describes your education and experience? I have twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and have completed the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program. I have 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. I have 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. I qualify through a combination of additional professional experience and education, substituting year for year as outlined in the job posting. I do not meet the qualifications listed above. Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr