Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06690

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community and Social Services

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

The Economic Services Administration's Community Services Division is currently seeking a full-time Social Service Specialist 2 to join our Pierce North Community Service Office (CSO) team located in Tacoma, WA. If you’re looking for meaningful work that blends problem-solving, social service expertise, and direct support to people facing significant barriers, this role may be perfect for you.

In this public-facing position, you’ll provide professional social services to individuals and/or families who have barriers to self-sufficiency; you will complete in-depth assessments, employability plans and case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological and/or physical impairments hindering economic independence.

Note: Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an ORCA Card for transportation needs; this is an in-office position - no telework option.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

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Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments with applicants and recipients of the WorkFirst program in order to develop a case plan with the client based on the assessment and all relevant information, including medical evidence when warranted.
• Conduct Pregnancy-to-Employment assessments with WorkFirst parents who are pregnant or parenting a child under the age of one to identify potential risks and/or barriers to participation and to determine the parents' ability to participate in the WorkFirst program.
• Develop a WorkFirst Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP) in eJAS based on the assessment with the client.
• Refer clients to services such as Mental Health Counseling, Domestic Violence Counseling/Support, Drug/Alcohol Assessment Centers, treatment follow-up, medical services, education, work experience, job search activities, First Steps services, legal aid and other community service agencies.
• Participate in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants, recipients and/or children when the client(s) is unable or unwilling to come into the CSO due to lack of understanding, non-compliance, or physical or mental disability.
• Complete Social Service Assessments with applicants and recipients for physical and psychological limitations to determine disability/incapacity eligibility.
• Interprets objective medical evidence to determine eligibility for programs.
• Assess and/or staff individuals with physical and/or mental health issues with medical professionals in regard to the person’s condition and how it impacts their ability to function in normal work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys, and stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate with management, peers, clients and the public.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse population.
• Ability to interact with hostile and demanding clients.
• Ability to work in high volume, diverse and stressful environment.
• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with internal and/or external customers.
• Ability to work at a computer handling multiple electronic systems simultaneously.
• Ability to evaluate and facilitate resolution through crisis intervention.

Who should apply? Professionals with either:

SSS1 Level

A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field;

Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within 18 months of their appointment.

Equivalent education/experience.

SSS2 Level

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: Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within one year of their appointment.

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 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.

Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 06690.

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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