Title: ESA Social Service Specialist 2 Location: United States Job Description: DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2 Salary $5,506.00 - $7,399.00 Monthly Location Multiple Locations Statewide, WA Job Type Full Time - Permanent Remote Employment Flexible/Hybrid Job Number 2026-05527 Department Dept. of Social and Health Services Division ESA Salary Information The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step - Description - Benefits - Questions Description DSHS ESA CSD - Social Service Specialist 2 Are you ready to take the next step in your social services career? Join the Virtual Case Management Center (VCMC) in a position that offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, with the opportunity to predominantly telework as business needs allow. If preferred, office space can be provided. The selected candidate must reside in Washington State. As a Social Service Specialist, you will provide professional-level social services to people and/or families, who have barriers, as they progress to self-sufficiency and are applying for or receiving benefits from the Community Services Division (CSD). You will complete in-depth assessments, and employability plans and provide case management for clients with varying degrees of vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and/or physical impairments hindering their economic independence. Your ability to listen, observe, communicate, and understand will aid in engaging in problem-solving with vulnerable adults, children, and families. The work schedule is expected to be: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Some of what youll do: - Screen, assess, and refer clients for medical, psychiatric, and related evaluations; review and interpret medical evidence to determine incapacity, program participation, or deferrals. - Interview clients to assess vocational, social, and employment history and evaluate current ability to engage in gainful employment. - Review medical diagnoses, prognoses, and condition duration to determine functional abilities and ongoing program eligibility. - Develop casework plans with clients, authorize services within funding limits, and coordinate referrals to internal and community partners to address barriers to self-sufficiency. - Authorize medical referrals and provider payments, ensuring services and invoices comply with state requirements and maximums. - 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. Who should apply? We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualification options: - Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1, plus 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. 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. OR - 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. Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within one year of their appointment. Desired 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. - Ability to develop, implement, and monitor casework and service plans that address medical, employment, and social barriers to self-sufficiency. - 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. Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along with your application, please include: - An updated resume. - Three professional references with contact information. Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05527. The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own 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 vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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. 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 applicants 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 drivers 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. More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026 01 Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position? - I have twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and have completed the agency's Social Service Specialist training program. - I have a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, and one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience. - I have 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. - I have an equivalent combination of education and paid social service experience, totaling six or more years. - I do not meet any of the above qualifications. 02 Please briefly describe your experience assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct services that support family stability or well-being.