DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In-Training

$54,204 - $82,512/Yr

State of Washington - Tumwater, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Tumwater, WA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 1-2 In-Training position is designed for individuals looking to advance their careers in social services. This role involves providing direct support to clients applying for or receiving benefits, conducting assessments, interpreting medical reports, and developing personalized action plans. The specialist will work closely with various programs, including ABD/HEN and WorkFirst, to connect clients with essential resources and improve their overall well-being. This is an on-site position that emphasizes hands-on outreach and collaboration with clients and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Screen and refer individuals for medical, psychiatric, and other tests.
• Conduct assessments to determine an individual's level of functioning, including evaluating education, social history, living situation, and employment history, as well as physical and mental status.
• Review and interpret medical reports and test results to determine eligibility for programs.
• Authorize additional referrals to medical specialists when indicated by medical evidence.
• Stay up to date on community resources and referral sources for medical, mental, and chemical dependency treatment.
• Develop individualized case plans to provide specific action steps as a result of assessment findings.
• Participate in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants.
• Develop a WorkFirst individual responsibility plan.
• Outreach with clients and partners in a community setting as needed.

Requirements

• Four years of prior social service experience or similar experience.
• A Bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field.

Nice-to-haves

• Excellent verbal communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
• Ability to defuse a hostile situation.
• Willingness to work with hard-to-serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent individuals.
• Ability to use automated software applications.

Benefits

• Referral program