DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

$61,404 - $82,512/Yr

State of Washington - Chehalis, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Chehalis, WA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 position is a full-time role within the Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division, located in Chehalis, WA. This position focuses on providing support to individuals and families in need of public assistance programs through a trauma-informed and collaborative approach. The specialist will work closely with community partners and medical providers to assess needs and develop individualized case plans, ensuring that clients receive the necessary resources and support.

Responsibilities

• Screen and refer people 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

• Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1; AND Completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program.
• A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience.
• 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 1.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in interviewing clients.
• Ability to defuse a hostile situation.
• Willingness to work with hard-to-serve, chronically homeless, mentally ill, and chemically dependent individuals.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities