Impactful Social Service Specialist (On-Site) – Yakima

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

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.