DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

Are you ready to embark on the next step of your social service career? Consider this exciting opportunity with the Virtual Case Management Center (VCMC) SS Team 9. This opportunity has the option of a hybrid and teleworking work schedule. As a Social Service Specialist, you will provide professional-level social services to people and/or families, who have barriers, as they progress to self-sufficiency and are applying for or receiving benefits from the

Community Services Division (CSD) . You will complete in-depth assessments, employability plans, and provide case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and/or physical impairments hindering their economic independence. Your ability to listen, observe, communicate, and understand will aid in engaging in problem-solving with vulnerable adults, children, and families. Pierce and Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. Some of what you'll do: 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. Conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants. Develop a WorkFirst individual responsibility plan. What we're looking for: 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. Who should apply? Professionals with 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 includes a practicum will 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. Note: Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education. Along with your online application, please submit: Resume Cover Letter 3 Professional References 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 about this opportunity?

Please contact Jill Ranft at

jill.ranft@dshs.wa.gov

and reference project number 13041. 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

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