DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2

State of Washington; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington, through the DSHS ESA CSD, seeks a Social Service Specialist 1-2 in Yakima, WA. You will perform professional social services, assess needs, and coordinate supports for ABD/HEN, SSI, and WorkFirst pathways, on-site with local partners.

Role requires developing service plans, interpreting medical evidence, and ensuring timely decisions while engaging with clients and community resources to promote independence.

Qualifications

• Comfort working with individuals and families with complex needs.
• Ability to develop employability and service plans.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interpret medical evidence to determine eligibility pathways.
• Familiarity with program manuals and agency procedures.
• Ability to coordinate with community partners and providers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive social service assessments to identify barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Develop case plans and Individual Responsibility Plans with clients.
• Review medical evidence for eligibility pathways and exemptions.
• Process ABD/HEN and WorkFirst decisions within timelines.
• Support SSI and SSDI applications, including referrals/appeals.
• Monitor WorkFirst participation and overdue activity reports.
• Coordinate services with medical, mental health, and substance use providers.
• Document case actions in agency systems per policy.

Skills

Assessments

Case planning

Communication

Decision making

Regulatory proficiency

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in social services or related field

Education/experience combination 4+ years

Job description

DSHS ESA CSD – Social Service Specialist 1-2

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 1-2 to join our team at the Community Services Office, located in Yakima, WA.

As a Social Service Specialist, 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:

• Conduct comprehensive social service assessments for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs programs (ABD/HEN) and the WorkFirst program to identify physical,psychological, vocational, and social barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Develop clear case plans and Individual Responsibility Plans with each person you serve.
• Review medical evidence to determine incapacity, disability-related exemptions, and eligibility pathways.
• Process Aged, Blind, and Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs decisions within required timelines.
• Support and track Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance applications, including referrals and appeals.
• Monitor WorkFirst participation, review required reports, and take timely action when activities are overdue.
• Complete specialized assessments such as Pregnancy to Employment and Time Limit Extensions.
• Coordinate services with medical providers, mental health professionals, chemical dependency treatment providers, domestic violence advocates, and community partners.
• Document all case actions accurately in agency systems and follow established policies and procedures.

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?

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.
• Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday in-office at the Yakima Community Services Office.

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Neb) 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.

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