DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist

Company: State of Washington
Location: Olympia
Posted on: June 6, 2021

Job Description:

Social Service Specialist 2

Are you ready to embark on the next step of your social service career? Consider these exciting opportunities with the Federal Way and King North (Shoreline) Community Services Office. Your knowledge and experience will help support our mission to Transform Lives.

As a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Facilitator, you will be responsible for helping clients through the processes of submitting their disability claims to Social Security. 

 Some of what you'll do

• Screen and refer people for medical, psychiatric, and other tests
• Conduct assessments to determine a person'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
• Document case activity in the appropriate computer program

 We're looking for applicants who demonstrate:

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

Who should apply? 

Professionals with one of the following:

• Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1 and completion of the Social Service Specialist training program
• A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1
• A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social Service experience

A two year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will substitute for one year of paid social service experience.

Please include the following:

• Three professional references with current contact information
• Cover letter
• Current Resume

If you are selected for an interview, you will be required to bring proof of your highest level of education completed. Degrees must be from an accredited institution.

Questions? Contact sean.brauner@dshs.wa.gov and please reference 02994Prior 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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Keywords: State of Washington, Olympia , DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist, Other , Olympia, Washington