What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 2 with the Economic Services Administration’s (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) in Kennewick, where you will provide vital, client-centered support to individuals and families working to overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.
In this role, you will support participants in both the WorkFirst and Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) programs by conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized plans, and delivering ongoing case management. You’ll work with clients facing a wide range of vocational, medical, psychological, and social challenges, helping them navigate services, access resources, and move toward greater independence.
You will also assist individuals in gathering and coordinating documentation for federal disability benefits, collaborating with medical providers, community partners, and internal teams to ensure accurate and timely support. This position involves both office-based work and occasional travel for home or alternate-site visits, allowing you to meet clients where they are and provide equitable, meaningful service.
See Why People Like You Chose Careers With DSHS
Some of what you'll do:
Professionals That Meet The Following Criteria
NOTE: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.
What We're Looking For
Along With Your Application, Please Include
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.
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 2
Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 2 with the Economic Services Administration’s (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) in Kennewick, where you will provide vital, client-centered support to individuals and families working to overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.
In this role, you will support participants in both the WorkFirst and Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) programs by conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized plans, and delivering ongoing case management. You’ll work with clients facing a wide range of vocational, medical, psychological, and social challenges, helping them navigate services, access resources, and move toward greater independence.
You will also assist individuals in gathering and coordinating documentation for federal disability benefits, collaborating with medical providers, community partners, and internal teams to ensure accurate and timely support. This position involves both office-based work and occasional travel for home or alternate-site visits, allowing you to meet clients where they are and provide equitable, meaningful service.
See Why People Like You Chose Careers With DSHS
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide case management for people with social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments of varying degrees
- Conduct assessments and create case plans for participants in the WorkFirst program
- Complete program assessments and eligibility determination for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs
- 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
- Coordinate services with other agencies such as behavioral 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
- Performs home and alternate site visits to assist customers experiencing poverty
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, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, AND one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience. A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of 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 . OR
- An equivalent combination of education/experience of six or more years.
NOTE: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.
What We're Looking For
- Effective verbal and written communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners
- Consistent ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness
- Successful at de-escalation in situations
- Willingness and commitment to work with underserved, homeless, people with mental illness, and chemically dependent clients
- Ability to use automated software applications
Along With Your Application, Please Include
- Three professional references with contact information
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.
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