DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 5

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 5
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division (CSD) is looking for a permanent full-time Social Services Specialist 5 to serve the Mason County area Community Service Offices in Shelton.

Join us on our mission to Transform Lives!  
 
 You will supervise a team of Social Service Specialists and oversee the delivery of specialized case management to individuals and families receiving either the Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs, specifically assessments and referrals for services. You will also supervise a team of WorkFirst Program Specialists who are responsible for gathering information to determine eligibility for financial, medical, food assistance, and address barriers to promote client self-sufficiently. You will develop, support, and strengthen staff to foster an environment of growth, respect, and professional customer service. You will ensure that your Social Service and WorkFirst Program Specialists meet all casework management directives. Critically thinking skills, responsible decision-making, collaboration with your management team, and adaptive leadership are essential for this role.


 Some of what you'll do:

• Establish unit workloads and quality standards; review eligibility determinations to ensure that appropriate data gathering and verification techniques are utilized
• Assign, prioritize and review work assignments to a unit of Social Service and WorkFirst Program Specialists
• Provide consultation and direction in the handling of cases
• Review activity reports ensuring planned unit volumes are being maintained and work is processed timely
• Conduct regular and productive unit and 1:1 meetings with staff; set performance expectations
• Recruit, hire, train and evaluate staff through consistent monitoring of the quality and quantity of work while maintaining an ongoing dialogue with them
• Create a supportive environment that allows staff to advance and succeed through coaching and mentoring
• Monitor and audit the accuracy of Individual Responsibility Plans, component use, voucher creation, use of correct expenditures, and proper use of sanction letters
• Provide full case audits per the regional requirement as well as additional audits, if needed when trends are observed
• Conduct meetings to inform staff of current policy and procedures, management bulletins, law changes, and other changes that affect the program
• Provide instructions and interpretations regarding policies, procedures, or laws governing eligibility, TANF, ABD, WorkFirst, and work performance
• Attend and participate in meetings locally and across the state with possible overnight travel; share information when returning to the office
• Point of contact when assigned by the administrator when they are out of the building 
• Initiates corrective or disciplinary action when necessary

What we're looking for:

• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to adapt to each person's learning and communication style
• Ability to create a positive work environment that supports collaboration, transparency, trust, and accountability
• Ability to build effective working relationships with assigned subordinates, administration officials, management team, service staff, partner agencies, contract providers, and the public
• Knowledge of management principles and operating methods 
• Ability to exhibit tact, courtesy, and discretion in all work situations
• Ability to multi-task with constant interruptions
• Knowledge of federal and state public assistance rules, regulations, and processes applied in Washington state
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with management, peers, direct staff, clients, and the public
• Willing to have difficult conversations and ability to find mutual resolution and support 
• Excellent computer and applications skills
• Ability to create and manage reports.

 Who should apply: 
Professionals who have one of the following:

• Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3
• Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2
• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field AND four years of paid social service experience. A two-year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience
• A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND six years of paid social service experience 

Along with your online application, please submit:

• A current resume
• A cover/interest letter (no more than 2 pages) that clearly articulates how your experience has prepared you to be successful in this position.
• Three professional references (including phone & email contact information).

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 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.
 Questions about01275? Contact Joshua.Shawhan@dshs.wa.gov. 
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.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.
 
 
 E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Salary : $68,076 - $91,524