Social Service Specialist 3

The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration has a great opportunity to become a part of our team in Centralia, WA.

• Practice open and clear communication with clients, coworkers, supervisors, community partners, and DSHS contractors & vendors
• Active participation in collaborative multi-disciplinary teams
• Prioritize and triage referrals and client care/management based on policy timeframes and workload expectations
• Provide case management services to include service plan development, plan implementation, and service plan review
• Demonstrate an understanding of cross-culture knowledge and participate in continued equity, diversity, and inclusion education and dialogue opportunities available within our agency; Be a strong advocate for client rights
• Use Microsoft Office and other computer applications for research, scheduling, correspondence, and documentation; Use and navigation of online programs and systems including ACES, BARCODE, Share-Point, and One Note
• Respond to administrative requests for reports, letters, and meetings
• Attend scheduled meetings and training as assigned

What we're looking for:

• Growth Mind-Set
• Strong Advocacy Skills
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable
• Ability to maintain professional focus and objectivity
• Maintain confidentiality of all client information
• Communicate information both orally and in writing with management, peers, clients, and the public
• Ability to apply social casework theory, principles, and practices
• Effective interviewing skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to make decisions independently, including quick decisions that impact safety
• Ability to handle a fast-paced work environment

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a related field AND one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a DSHS Social Service Specialist 2. A 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, or an allied field AND two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a DSHS Social Service Specialist 2

OR

One year of experience as a DSHS Social Service Specialist 2

One year of paid experience completing comprehensive assessments for vulnerable populations including children, elderly or disabled populations

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.

Along with your online application, please submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three current professional references

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 DSHS Recruiter by email and reference #06081.

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.

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