DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 - Social Security Income Facilitation

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 Supplemental Security Income Facilitator team, to work at our Mt. Vernon location.

In this position, you'll help individuals who face significant barriers gather the documentation needed for their federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications and appeals. Your work will involve interpreting medical information, conducting thorough psychosocial assessments, collaborating with medical providers and the Social Security Administration, and supporting people whose physical, mental, educational, or social challenges impact their economic stability.

This is an onsite role with some travel for home or alternate-site visits when clients cannot safely or effectively come into the office. Our ideal applicant will be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently. You'll be part of a regional, centralized SSIF team that values coordination, respect, and clear communication.

Some of what you'll do:

• Assist individuals receiving TANF or Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) benefits in completing SSI application and appeal packets.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments to understand each person's medical, social, vocational, cultural, educational, and psychological history.
• Gather, review, and interpret medical information to understand diagnoses, prognosis, and functional limits relevant to the SSI claim.
• Serve as a liaison with SSA, Disability Determination Services, medical providers, attorneys, and social service partners to support the SSI determination process.
• Track all SSI facilitation steps and ensure required deadlines—particularly appeal timelines—are met.
• Document all case actions and client interactions in multiple electronic systems, including ICMS, eJAS, Barcode, and ACES.
• Participate in home or alternate-site visits when a client cannot come to the office due to physical, cognitive, or behavioral barriers.
• Monitor SSI-related outcomes and run reports for local, regional, and statewide use.
• Facilitate transitions to other federal medical programs as appropriate.
• Cross-train in ABD/TANF policies to ensure accurate referrals, documentation, and program awareness.
• Provide referrals to community resources and supports.
• Review invoices to ensure charges for referred evaluations and medical evidence are in accordance with State maximums.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Who should apply? Professionals that meet the following criteria:

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 of six or more years.

* Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Be comfortable 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 and federal procedures to ensure accurate, policy-aligned work.
• Adaptability and conflict management: Skill in navigating change, managing stress, and de-escalating conflict while maintaining focus, empathy and professionalism for the people you support.

Interested? Apply today! 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.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job number 04522.

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 here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.