Description

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
If you are ready to embark on the next step of your social service career, consider this exciting opportunity. The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division is currently seeking a full-time Social Service Specialist to join our team in our Community Services Office located in Lynnwood, WA.

You will provide professional social services to assist individuals applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division. Your knowledge and experience will help support our mission to Transform Lives.

Some of what you'll do:

• Screen and refer people for medical, psychiatric, and other tests
• Conduct assessments to determine an individual's level of functioning including evaluating education, social history, living situation, and employment history, as well as physical and mental status
• Review and interpret medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs
• Authorize additional referrals to medical specialists when indicated by medical evidence
• 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
• Participate in-home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants
• Develop a WorkFirst individual responsibility plan
• Outreach with clients and partners in a community setting as needed

• Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders
• Ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness
• Ability to defuse a hostile situation
• Willingness to work with hard-to-serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent individuals
• Ability to use automated software applications

Twelve months 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 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, criminal law/justice 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 one year of their appointment.

• A current chronological resume
• A cover letter detailing your experience as it relates to the “What we are looking for” section of this announcement
• Three professional references

Supplemental Information

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.
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