Description

• 
  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

What we're looking for:

• 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
  

Who should apply?

Professionals with Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 AND completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.

OR

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 two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience

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 1.

Please include current contact information for three professional references and attach the following with your application:

• A current chronological resume
• A cover letter detailing your experience as it relates to the “What we are looking for” section of this announcement
• You will be required to bring proof of your highest level of education completed Degrees must be from an accredited institution

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission that you bring equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.

NOTE:

Employees of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Please note medical or religious accommodation may be available once an offer of employment is made

Questions? Please contact saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference #06249 .

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security