DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2

Salary

$5,506.00 - $7,399.00 Monthly

Location

King County - Seattle - Capitol Hill, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-08837

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

ESA

Opening Date

10/30/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

Benefits

Description

• DSHS ESA - Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2)

• The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) is hiring a full-time Social Service Specialist 2 to join our team at our Capitol Hill Community Services Office in Seattle, WA.

• As a Social Service Specialist 2, you will conduct in-depth assessments, develop employability plans, and provide case management for clients facing vocational, social, cultural, educational, psychological, and/or physical challenges that impact their economic independence.

• At DSHS’ Community Services Division, your compassion makes a difference every day, helping Washingtonians build a path toward stability. This role can be your gateway to a meaningful career in public service.

• Some of what you will do

• Provide case management for people with social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments of varying degrees

• Complete program assessments and eligibility determination for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs

• Conduct assessments and create case plans for participants in the WorkFirst program

• Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans for customers to help achieve self-sufficiency

• Review and examine cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determine continuing compliance with social services programs

• Coordinate services with other agencies such as behavioral health, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities

• Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine client employability or incapacity

• Provide services collaboratively and with empathy and respect

• Interview clients and provide a comprehensive assessment of vocational, educational, social, and health history

• Authorize referrals to medical specialists and referrals to other agencies

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 who have one of the following:

• A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and 2 years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1

• OR

• 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

• OR

• Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum

• OR

• 12 months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1

• Equivalent education/experience.

• Additional information

• Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education

• 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.

• Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within one year of their appointment.

• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

• Interested? With your application, please include:

• An updated resume

• Three professional references with contact information

• Questions?

• 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 an 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.

• 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. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service.

• 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. That's 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 continue

• 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