DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

Posting number: 2026-05651

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community Services, Social Services, Community and Social Services, Financial Aid & Services

Summary

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3

Within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), functions as a lead worker in a Community Service Office location within the Community Services Division (ESD). All positions at this level receive little supervision, employees are responsible for devising their own work methods working effectively with customers, staff, and supervisors.

Perform as a Lead Worker for all CSO Social Services programs. Will perform auditing to assist in establishing training needs and case correction suggestions to ensure quality customer service and adherence to procedure and policy. This position will also play a key role in helping CSD support ESA’s efforts to reduce the number of individuals and families living below 200 percent of the federal poverty level in a way that eliminates disparities. This will be accomplished by ensuring quality work is performed, CSO lobby traffic is managed, and caseloads are worked proactively.

This position facilitates services for the AGED clients receiving benefits from the ABD/HEN program and provides Auditing and Lead support for the ABD/HEN program, Work First, and SEP process in Region 1. These services are intended to provide access to the AGED clientele that have been found financially eligible for the Aged, blind, and Disabled state funded program. The SEP (Sequential Evaluation Process) is used to determine medical eligibility for the State funded ABD/HEN program.

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• At the request and under the direction of the unit supervisor: Provides support throughout Region 1 as needed to perform lead worker duties.
• Interprets and implements WAC's, policy and procedure at a case level and while auditing Provides coaching and training to ABD/HEN and Work First Social Service staff at direction of supervisor
• Assists supervisors in auditing the work of ABD/HEN and Work First Social Service staff by providing audit assistance for social service staff, based on assignment
• Tracks outcomes of audits; prepares reports and analysis for local, regional, and statewide data purposes.
• Provides coverage as needed and maintains communications with regional management and direct supervisor
• Represents social services on related work groups and planning committees May provide training and consultation to coworkers, community groups, partner agencies, and providers.
• Works collaboratively with direct supervisor in hiring, engaging staff, developing training plans, prioritizing and assigning work, managing caseload assignments, meeting unit, regional, and divisional goals, and facilitating ongoing process improvement efforts.
• Conducts thorough interview/assessments annually of clients and assists in gathering sufficient medical documentation or proof of continued program eligibility.
• Have experience in conducting Work First assessments
• Utilize experience with GAU, GAX, and SEP process
• Experience with DSHS CSD application or re-application process
• Reviews medical evidence in order to understand the applicable conditions and prognosis, to confirm level of incapacity, to identify potential chemical dependency issues, and to effectively support the applicant in pursuing relevant treatments.
• Serves as a liaison for the client and works collaboratively with the medical providers, attorneys, CSO based social workers, and others.
• Maintain contact and correspondence with above as well as physicians and other who may be assisting client and monitors participation in medical treatment for applicable conditions.
• Documents all client interactions and case actions in the appropriate electronic case management system, including but not limited to I