Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08185

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 5

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community and Social Services

Summary

DSHS ESA- Social Service Supervisor - Social Service Specialist 5

Are you a leader who believes strong teams create stronger outcomes for the communities they serve? DSHS's Economic Services Administration (ESA) is seeking a Social Service Supervisor to lead a social work team located in Aberdeen, Washington.

In this role, you will provide supervision to professional social service specialist to assist disabled individuals of Community Servies Division (CSD) in obtaining federal Social Security benefits and /or other programs administered by CSD.

Please note: This position is 100% in-office.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you'll do:

• Interviewing and assessing individuals with possible physical and mental disabilities, obtaining and reviewing complex medical evidence, inputting medical and social service information in DSHS electronic case records and Social Security web-based application systems, monitoring case progress in both systems, acting as an advocate for clients and providing liaison to treatment services, and to staff working for Disability Determination Services and Social Security
• Create, implement, monitor and modify case plans for achieving individual economic and social self-support
• Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to access and determine employability/incapacity
• Required to complete these social services and advocacy functions while observing strict HIPAA confidentiality rules as documented in DSHS Administrative Policy 5.01
• Intensive social services to WorkFirst adults who require extra assistance and support in order to participate .in WorkFirst activities such as assessing and determining employability, job readiness and vocational education and training needs
• Case management to individuals with varying degrees of vocational, social cultural, medical or mental health impairments that hinder economic independence
• Working with specialized groups of individuals, including pregnant and parenting teens and adults and individuals with• substance abuse issues
• Processing medical incapacity determinations received over the counter, DMS and through interactive case management interviews and will process all case actions into the appropriate computer programs (ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-Jas and ICMS)

Who should apply? We are seeking professionals that meet the following criteria:

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4
• OR
• Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3
• OR
• Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2
• OR
• A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3.
• OR
• A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND five years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• OR
• A combination of higher education (in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field) and paid social service experience totaling at least nine years.

NOTE: A two year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

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

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Supervision: Assigns and monitors work across social work units, reviews case plans for appropriateness, and addresses performance issues with clear, constructive feedback.
• Coaching: Mentors staff through complex cases and supports professional growth through formal training and ongoing guidance.
• Policy knowledge: Applies state and federal welfare laws, WorkFirst program rules, and public assistance regulations accurately and consistently across the unit.
• Critical thinking: Analyzes caseloads, identifies trends, and recommends strategies that help clients move toward independence.
• Decision-making: Makes sound, independent judgments in complex situations involving mental health, domestic violence, housing instability, and other barriers to employment.
• Communication: Conveys information clearly in writing and verbally to staff, partner agencies, management, and the public across a wide range of situations.
• Relationship building: Develops cooperative working relationships with staff, contracted providers, and community organizations based on mutual respect and shared goals.
• Technical proficiency: Uses agency systems including eJAS, ACES, and Barcode, along with standard office software, to complete work accurately and efficiently.
• Organizational skills: Manages workflow, balances competing priorities, and coordinates scheduling to keep the unit operating effectively.

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 reach out to sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 05389.

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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