DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services, is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 in Bellingham to provide professional social services to a caseload and develop employability and service plans. You will conduct comprehensive assessments, interpret medical evidence, coordinate services, and support WorkFirst and SSI pathways in an on-site role with community partners.

Applicants must meet education/experience requirements, pass background checks, and the agency is an equal

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or allied field with related training.
• One year of experience as Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience.
• Bachelor's degree plus two years of paid social service experience in similar roles.

Responsibilities

• Assess individuals and develop employment/service plans.
• Coordinate services supporting WorkFirst, SSI, and housing programs.
• Review medical reports and determine program eligibility.
• Provide case management with periodic reassessment.
• Document work in ICMS/eJAS and coordinate referrals.
• Engage with clients, community partners, and providers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Homelessness support

Client-focused planning

Clear communication

Assessment and decision-making

Regulatory proficiency

Adaptability & conflict management

Education

Master's degree in social services or related field

Bachelor's degree in social services or related field

Job 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.

This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners.

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?

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, or an allied field, AND one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience;

OR

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 [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 (Nept?) 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.

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