Job Description

Posting number: 2026-05651

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community Services, Social Services, Community and Social Services, Financial Aid & Services

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

Within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), functions as a lead worker in a Community Service Office location within the Community Services Division (ESD). All positions at this level receive little supervision, employees are responsible for devising their own work methods working effectively with customers, staff, and supervisors.

Perform as a Lead Worker for all CSO Social Services programs. Will perform auditing to assist in establishing training needs and case correction suggestions to ensure quality customer service and adherence to procedure and policy. This position will also play a key role in helping CSD support ESA’s efforts to reduce the number of individuals and families living below 200 percent of the federal poverty level in a way that eliminates disparities. This will be accomplished by ensuring quality work is performed, CSO lobby traffic is managed, and caseloads are worked proactively.

This position facilitates services for the AGED clients receiving benefits from the ABD/HEN program and provides Auditing and Lead support for the ABD/HEN program, Work First, and SEP process in Region 1. These services are intended to provide access to the AGED clientele that have been found financially eligible for the Aged, blind, and Disabled state funded program. The SEP (Sequential Evaluation Process) is used to determine medical eligibility for the State funded ABD/HEN program.

See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:
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Some of what you'll do:

• At the request and under the direction of the unit supervisor: Provides support throughout Region 1 as needed to perform lead worker duties.
• Interprets and implements WAC's, policy and procedure at a case level and while auditing Provides coaching and training to ABD/HEN and Work First Social Service staff at direction of supervisor
• Assists supervisors in auditing the work of ABD/HEN and Work First Social Service staff by providing audit assistance for social service staff, based on assignment
• Tracks outcomes of audits; prepares reports and analysis for local, regional, and statewide data purposes.
• Provides coverage as needed and maintains communications with regional management and direct supervisor
• Represents social services on related work groups and planning committees May provide training and consultation to coworkers, community groups, partner agencies, and providers.
• Works collaboratively with direct supervisor in hiring, engaging staff, developing training plans, prioritizing and assigning work, managing caseload assignments, meeting unit, regional, and divisional goals, and facilitating ongoing process improvement efforts.
• Conducts thorough interview/assessments annually of clients and assists in gathering sufficient medical documentation or proof of continued program eligibility.
• Have experience in conducting Work First assessments
• Utilize experience with GAU, GAX, and SEP process
• Experience with DSHS CSD application or re-application process
• Reviews medical evidence in order to understand the applicable conditions and prognosis, to confirm level of incapacity, to identify potential chemical dependency issues, and to effectively support the applicant in pursuing relevant treatments.
• Serves as a liaison for the client and works collaboratively with the medical providers, attorneys, CSO based social workers, and others.
• Maintain contact and correspondence with above as well as physicians and other who may be assisting client and monitors participation in medical treatment for applicable conditions.
• Documents all client interactions and case actions in the appropriate electronic case management system, including but not limited to ICMS, E-jas, Barcode, ACES, ACES on-line, and SSPS, etc.

Who should apply?

Professionals with one of the following:

One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR
A Master's degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and one year **of paid social service experience*** equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

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 2.

*Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
**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: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.

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

• Communication: Explains program requirements in clear, simple terms to people who may feel stressed, confused, or frustrated.
• Trusted judgment: Reviews medical and personal information to make fair, accurate eligibility decisions.
• Organization: Manages a full caseload and meets strict deadlines without missing steps.
• Empathy: Listens to people facing hardship and responds without judgment.
• Problem-solving: Works through conflict or crisis situations and finds a workable next step.
• Cultural respect: Treats people from all backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences with fairness and respect.
• Collaboration: Builds working relationships with coworkers, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners.
• Adaptability: Switches between multiple computer systems in a busy, high-volume office.
• Technology: Uses standard office software to document cases and track deadlines.

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 peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 05651.

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.

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