Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08240

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

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

Summary

Social Service Specialist 3 - Lead Worker

Internal Only: This position is open to current DSHS employees only.

DSHS partners with people across Washington to access support, care, and resources. As a Social Service Lead Worker with DSHS's Economic Services Administration, based at the Bremerton Community Services Office, you will guide and train Social Service Specialist staff, helping them deliver accurate and timely benefits to those seeking assistance.

You will review casework, mentor and train new staff, and help interpret policy at the case level, and conduct audits. You will also step in as backup supervisor when the direct supervisor is away, and you may carry a caseload directly when coverage is needed.

Your work shapes how well Region 3 serves people applying for cash, food, and medical assistance. When you train staff well and identify possible issues early, people get accurate decisions faster and receive higher standards in customer service.

Please note: Some travel is required for this position, visiting clients at alternative locations as well as other CSO locations within Region 3 to audit work practices, conduct job coaching, or attend meetings and trainings.

Some of what you'll do:

• Train and coach Social Service Specialist staff.
• Interpret policy and procedure at the case level and share updates with staff.
• Provide program and systems training to new and current staff.
• Build on-the-job training plans in partnership with direct supervisors.
• Audit cases and track corrections to support program integrity.
• Assign, prioritize, and review work assignments alongside direct supervisors.
• Assist SSI and SSDI applications for TANF and Aged, Blind, and Disabled clients, including reviewing medical evidence.
• Coordinate medical exams and gather documents to support disability applications.
• Serve as backup supervisor when the direct supervisor is on leave or unavailable.
• Conduct home or alternative site visits for applicants and recipients who cannot come into the office.
• Screen and assist individuals in accessing VA benefits.
• Prepare monthly reports.
• Document case management activity using technology such as ACES, ICMS, Barcode, and other required systems.

Who should apply? Professionals that meet one of the following criteria:

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.**

OR

Equivalent education/experience totaling at least 6 years.**

*A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that include a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

**Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.

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:

• Coaching: Guides new Social Service Specialist 2 staff through training and on-the-job practice.
• Communication: Communicates clearly to staff, clients, and community partners both verbally and in writing.
• Trusted judgment: Reviews medical and case information to support accurate, fair decisions.
• Organization: Tracks deadlines, caseload coverage, and reporting.
• Collaboration: Builds working relationships with medical providers, attorneys, and community partners.
• Equity and cultural respect: Identifies and removes potential barriers and gives people fair, equal access to services.
• Adaptability: Moves between multiple computer systems and shifting daily priorities.
• Leadership: Steps in as backup supervisor and helps assign and prioritize unit work.
• Technology: Confident using a variety of applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and case management systems - and able to assist staff with troubleshooting usage issues.

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 08240.

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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