DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In Training

State of Washington; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay

Free ORCA card for transportation

Job summary

The State of Washington's Economic Services Administration (ESA) seeks a Social Service Specialist 1-2 in Training at the King South Community Services Office in Kent, WA. You will manage a caseload, build tailored plans, and connect clients to health, housing, education, and job-support services.

You will review medical records, guide SSI applications, and help clients meet WorkFirst requirements, with on-site outreach and local travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in social services or related field.
• Combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling four or more years.
• Ability to review medical records and determine eligibility pathways.

Responsibilities

• Meet with applicants to assess education, work history, living situation, and health.
• Create individual responsibility plans based on assessments and medical records.
• Lead WorkFirst orientations explaining program rules and services.
• Refer clients to mental health, housing, education, and employment resources.
• Record case activity in electronic systems and monitor progress.

Skills

Client-focused planning

Clear communication

Assessment and decision-making

Adaptability

Technical proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in social services or related field

Four+ years education/experience combination

Tools

Electronic case management systems

Job description

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In Training

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 King South Community Services Office in Kent, WA.

In this role, you will work with a caseload of people and families who face barriers to work and self-sufficiency. You will meet with each person, learn about their life, and build a plan that fits their needs. Some people need help with health or mental health concerns. Others need housing, treatment, education, or job search support. You will connect them to the right services and check in as they make progress.

You will also review medical records to help decide if a person qualifies for disability-related help. If a person may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, you will guide them through the application. Your work helps people meet WorkFirst program requirements and take important steps toward steady work and income.

Please note: This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. Travel in the local area may be required as needed. King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Meet with WorkFirst applicants and recipients to complete full assessments of their education, work history, living situation, and health.
• Build an individual responsibility plan with each person based on their assessment and any medical records.
• Complete Pregnancy to Employment assessments with parents who are pregnant or caring for a baby under two years old.
• Refer people to services such as mental health counseling, domestic violence support, drug and alcohol assessment, medical care, education, work experience, job search, First Steps, and legal aid.
• Visit people at home or another location when they cannot come into the office.
• Lead WorkFirst orientations that explain program rules, support services, and activities.
• Assess physical and mental health limitations to decide if a person qualifies for disability-related programs.
• Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans for customers to help achieve self-sufficiency.
• Review and examine cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determine continuing compliance with social services programs.
• Read and interpret medical reports and test results.
• Talk with medical providers about how a person's condition affects their ability to work.
• Help people apply for Supplemental Security Income by setting up medical exams, gathering records, and writing a professional assessment of their life circumstances.
• Track Supplemental Security Income applications with Social Security and attorneys, and respond to appeals on time.
• Issue benefit cards and explain how to use them.
• Record case activity in electronic case management systems.
• Attend team meetings, supervisor check-ins, and required training.

Who should apply?

Professionals that meet the following criteria:

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;
• 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 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.

Interested?

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 Vincent Hamilton at [e-mail] and reference job number #08778.

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 [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotism) 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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