DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
State of Washington
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Job summary
The State of Washington is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 for the Clarkston Community Services Office. You will manage a caseload, assess needs, and connect clients with health, housing, education, and employment resources to promote self-sufficiency.
Responsibilities include reviewing medical records, guiding SSI applications, and creating/monitoring individualized case plans while collaborating with community partners and physicians. On-site with local travel as needed.
Qualifications
- 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 that included a practicum will substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
- Note: Employees must complete the formal training course within eighteen months of appointment.
Responsibilities
- Meet with WorkFirst applicants and recipients to complete full assessments of education, work history, living situation, and health.
- Build an individual responsibility plan with each person based on assessment and medical records.
- Refer people to services such as mental health counseling, housing, education, work experience, and legal aid.
- Visit people at home or another location when they cannot come to the office.
- Lead WorkFirst orientations explaining program rules, support services, and activities.
- Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans for customers to help achieve self-sufficiency.
- Record case activity in electronic case management systems.
- Attend team meetings, supervisor check-ins, and required training.
Skills
Education
Job description
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 Clarkston Community Services Office.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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’ 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.
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.
E‑Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
The following information describes typical benefits available for full‑time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full‑time work (e.g. part‑time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full‑time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement saving program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
- I have twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and have completed the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
- I have 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.
- I have 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.
- I qualify through a combination of additional professional experience and education, substituting year for year as outlined in the job posting.
- I do not meet the qualifications listed above.
- Required Question
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