DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington; Aberdeen (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Aberdeen Community Services Office seeks a Social Service Specialist 2 to support SSI facilitation and disability claims processing. The role focuses on direct client engagement, assessments, and coordinating with treatment services and SSA.

The position is on-site with an optional hybrid schedule after training. Strong organizational, communication, and cross-agency collaboration skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 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 1 or 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 that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.

Responsibilities

• Interview and assess individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment.
• Assist individuals in completing applications for Social Security benefits.
• Obtain and review medical evidence and document information in case records.
• Document data in DSHS and SSA systems and monitor case progress.
• Act as advocate or liaison with treatment services and community partners.
• Stay updated on resources and referral sources for treatment.
• Develop individualized case plans with clear action steps.
• Apply medical terminology to assess employability.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Multitasking

Verbal communication

Diversity awareness

Problem solving

De-escalation

Organizational skills

Automated systems

SSA process

Education

Master's degree in social services

One year as Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid experience

Bachelor's degree in social services or allied field

Two years of paid social service experience

Tools

Social Security web-based systems

Job description

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at the Aberdeen Community Services Office. This position is dedicated to the SSI Facilitation Team, where staff will be responsible for facilitating disability claims for Social Security. You will provide professional social services to assist individuals applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division. Your expertise and experience will significantly enhance and support DSHS initiatives.

Please note:

This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. This role has an optional hybrid schedule once training is complete.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Interviewing and assessing individuals with possible physical and mental disabilities as well as other barriers to employment
• Assisting individuals in completing applications for Social Security benefits and monitoring application timelines
• Obtaining and reviewing complex medical evidence
• Documenting medical and social service information in DSHS electronic case records and Social Security web-based application systems: monitoring case progress in both systems
• Acting as an advocate or liaison for clients to treatment services, community partners, Disability Determination Services and the Social Security Administration
• Stay up to date on community resources and referral sources for medical, mental, and chemical dependency treatment
• Develop individualized case plans to provide specific action steps as a result of assessment findings
• Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine employability

What we’re looking for:

• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to work with individuals with barriers, including chronically homeless, mentally ill, and substance used disorder
• Strong organizational skills
• Problem solving, conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
• Ability to multitask in an environment of change
• Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders
• Awareness and sensitivity to diversity and cultural differences when engaging with clients
• Ability to use automated software applications
• Working knowledge of the Social Security application process, including familiarity with filing out Social Security Administration forms

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.
• A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or 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

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.

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 (360) 725‑5810. 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 (Nezpotism) 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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security