What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In-Training position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In-Training
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 1-2 in training to join our team at the Olympia Community Services Office, located in SE Tumwater.
As a Social Service Specialist, you will provide direct support to individuals applying for or receiving benefits by conducting comprehensive assessments, interpreting medical reports, and developing tailored action plans to address each client’s unique needs. Your primary role will be to assist recipients of Aged, Blind, & Disabled (ABD), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Refugee Cash Assistance through the Social Security process.
This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. Our ideal applicant will be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently. Your ability to analyze complex situations, advocate for services, and build relationships will be key to their success.
See Why People Like You Chose Careers With DSHS
Some of what you'll do:
Additional Knowledge, Skills And Abilities We Are Looking For
Upon successful completion of an approximately 12-month in-training plan, individuals hired as a Social Service Specialist 1 In-Training will be promoted to Social Service Specialist 2. Following this promotion, there will be a six-month trial service period, which includes additional required training to successfully complete the trial service. If the successful candidate already meets the minimum qualifications for a Social Services Specialist 2 , they may be offered the position at a SSS 2 level, avoiding the training plan.
The salary ranges for each job class are shown below. Hiring supervisors determine the in-training plan and salary amount based on the applicants' professional work experience and/or educational background.
Salary Ranges
In-Training Step Salary Progression Ranges (Monthly) Timeline
Social Service Specialist 1 ($4,771 Step A – $6,259 Step L) 12 months
Social Service Specialist 2 ($5,398 Step A – $7,254 Step L) 6 months probation
Interested? Apply today!
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #08380.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In-Training
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 1-2 in training to join our team at the Olympia Community Services Office, located in SE Tumwater.
As a Social Service Specialist, you will provide direct support to individuals applying for or receiving benefits by conducting comprehensive assessments, interpreting medical reports, and developing tailored action plans to address each client’s unique needs. Your primary role will be to assist recipients of Aged, Blind, & Disabled (ABD), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Refugee Cash Assistance through the Social Security process.
This is an on-site role, requiring hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners. Our ideal applicant will be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently. Your ability to analyze complex situations, advocate for services, and build relationships will be key to their success.
See Why People Like You Chose Careers With DSHS
Some of what you'll do:
- Conduct assessments, for the Aged, Blind and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs ( ABD / HEN ) and WorkFirst programs, to determine a person's level of functioning including evaluating education, social history, living situation, and employment history as well as physical and behavioral health status.
- Provide case management for clients with social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments of varying degrees.
- Complete program assessments and eligibility determination for Aged, Blind and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs.
- Conduct assessments and create case plans for participants in the WorkFirst program.
- 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 of social services programs.
- Coordinate services with other agencies such as mental health, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities.
- Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine client employability or incapacity
- Provide services collaboratively and with empathy and respect.
- Interview clients and provide a comprehensive assessment of vocational. educational, social, and health history.
- Authorize referrals to medical specialists and referrals to other agencies.
- Participate in in-home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments.
- Provide expert testimony in Administrative Hearings and interpret information.
- Four years of prior social service experience or similar experience.
- A bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field.
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.
Upon successful completion of an approximately 12-month in-training plan, individuals hired as a Social Service Specialist 1 In-Training will be promoted to Social Service Specialist 2. Following this promotion, there will be a six-month trial service period, which includes additional required training to successfully complete the trial service. If the successful candidate already meets the minimum qualifications for a Social Services Specialist 2 , they may be offered the position at a SSS 2 level, avoiding the training plan.
The salary ranges for each job class are shown below. Hiring supervisors determine the in-training plan and salary amount based on the applicants' professional work experience and/or educational background.
Salary Ranges
In-Training Step Salary Progression Ranges (Monthly) Timeline
Social Service Specialist 1 ($4,771 Step A – $6,259 Step L) 12 months
Social Service Specialist 2 ($5,398 Step A – $7,254 Step L) 6 months probation
Interested? Apply today!
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #08380.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
