Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06505

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Community and Social Services

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? DSHS’s Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) is looking for a full-time Social Service Specialist to join our team in Everett, WA.

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to show your compassion every day, positively impacting the lives of Washingtonians. By joining DSHS, you'll be stepping into a role that opens doors to a fulfilling career in public service, where your work truly matters.

Be the change in your community. Apply today!

See why others like you have chosen a career with DSHS:

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In this SSS2 role, you will complete in-depth assessments, and employability plans and provide case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and/or physical impairments hindering economic independence.

Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs

Some of what you will do:

• Screens, assess and refers clients for medical, psychiatric and other tests; reviews and interprets test results to determine incapacity, appropriate program activity or deferral.
• Authorizes additional referrals to medical specialists when indicated by medical evidence; reviews invoices to ensure charges for specific procedures are in accordance with State maximums.
• Authorizes and creates payment reimbursements to medical providers/professionals for appropriate medical evidence and/or treatment.
• Interviews clients to assess vocational and social history; uses this information as a factor in determining present ability to perform gainful employment.
• Reviews and interprets medical information to determine clients' diagnosis, prognosis, and duration of condition; relates this to the clients' physical ability to perform work similar to that which they have performed in the past.
• Refers and monitors progress of those referrals to other agencies for removal of barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Reviews and examines cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determines continuing eligibility for programs.
• Develops a casework plan with the client and authorizes services within annual allotment of funds; Interviews custodial parent to determine validity of claim that she or he has good cause not to pursue action against the absent parent of children; Develops and maintains automated case records with thorough documentation of actions, decisions and contacts with customers.
• 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 an office due to lack of understanding, non-compliance, or physical or mental disability.

Who should apply?

Professionals who have one of the following:

• A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1
• Or, a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience
• Or, a Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum
• Or, 12 months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1
• Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education

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

Interested? Submit your application today!

Questions? Please contact peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number 06505.

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

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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