DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

About the role

The Virtual Case Management Center (VCMC) is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team. This position offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, with the option to predominantly telework.

Responsibilities

• Screen, assess, and refer clients for medical, psychiatric, and related evaluations.
• Interview clients to assess vocational, social, and employment history and evaluate current ability to engage in gainful employment.
• Develop casework plans with clients, authorize services within funding limits, and coordinate referrals to internal and community partners.
• Maintain accurate and timely automated case documentation; conduct periodic case reviews to assess progress and continuing eligibility.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and general staff support activities.

Requirements

• Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1, plus 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.
• Equivalent education and experience totaling six or more years.
• A two-year master’s degree in one of the above fields that includes a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
• Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of adult and family services, including child development, family systems, and indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation, domestic violence, and other safety concerns affecting vulnerable populations.
• Ability to assess risk, apply sound judgment, and make informed decisions using established assessment models, medical and psychosocial information, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Skill in interviewing and engaging individuals and families, including those who may be resistant or emotionally charged, using effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, substance use concepts, vocational counseling principles, job training options, educational pathways, and community-based resources.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload efficiently while maintaining accurate documentation and clearly communicating case information in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to learn and effectively use automated systems, web-based tools, and other technology to complete work assignments and communicate with clients, colleagues, and partners.

Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Knowledge of adult and family services, including child development, family systems, and indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation, domestic violence, and other safety concerns affecting vulnerable populations.
• Ability to assess risk, apply sound judgment, and make informed decisions using established assessment models, medical and psychosocial information, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Skill in interviewing and engaging individuals and families, including those who may be resistant or emotionally charged, using effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, substance use concepts, vocational counseling principles, job training options, educational pathways, and community-based resources.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload efficiently while maintaining accurate documentation and clearly communicating case information in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to learn and effectively use automated systems, web-based tools, and other technology to complete work assignments and communicate with clients, colleagues, and partners.

Benefits

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.

Pay

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The work schedule is expected to be: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.