Salary : $69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05788
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ESA
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 7/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 3 - SSIF Lead Worker
If you are ready to embark on the next step of your social service career, consider this exciting opportunity. The (ESA), is currently seeking a Social Service Specialist 3, SSIF Lead Worker for. In this position you'll take on a critical role through guiding and supporting a team of SSI Facilitators throughout Region 3, where staff will be responsible for facilitating disability claims for Social Security.
You will be responsible for assigning work, maintaining work flow, conducting thorough audits, and ensuring that both new and experienced staff maintain high standards in service delivery. By identifying error trends and providing targeted coaching, you'll help shape the development and efficiency of the team.
In addition to leading a team, you'll perform complex tasks such as reviewing medical records to determine client eligibility for facilitation services, interpreting rules, and developing procedures. Your expertise will also be crucial in helping SSI Facilitators in staffing complex cases and understanding both ABD/TANF and SSA eligibility rules. You'll engage with staff, other agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients throughout their SSI application process.
If you are an experienced professional ready to lead, mentor, and ensure the quality of SSI Facilitation services, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact within the Community Services Division.
Please note: After the first six-months in this position, you may be able to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. The nearest Region 3 office to your location may be assigned your duty station. Region 3 covers the following counties: Clark, Clallam, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum.
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide oversight and guidance in reviewing and assigning work, ensuring case actions are aligned with policy and procedures.
- Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for SSI Facilitation services.
- Maintain current knowledge on changes in procedures and policy by staying current on clarifications, and revisions to EAZ Manual, WF Handbook, SS Manual, CSD Procedures, etc.
- Contribute to lobby coverage across Region 3 CSO's, work batch and/or assignments when needed or as assigned.
- Audit and review the work of SSI Facilitation staff. Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor regarding staff progress.
- Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs.
- Provide training and mentoring to SSIFs, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
- Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow.
- Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy. Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
- Investigate and resolve customer complaints.
- Offer feedback and consultation to staff while guiding them through complex situations.
- Coach and provide day-to-day support and on-the-job training for staff, following the Job Coach Guide for staff in training.
Who should apply? Professionals that meet one of the following criteria:
One year as a
OR
A master's degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a **
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 **
OR
Equivalent education/experience totaling at least 6 years.**
*A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that include 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.
NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
- Technical knowledge: Applies extensive knowledge of the Social Security application process to guide clients and staff.
- Leadership: Guides team members with confidence, offering direction and support as this role grows into a leadership position.
- Equity: Brings awareness and sensitivity to diversity and cultural differences when working with clients and staff.
- Professional respect: Treats DSHS staff and the public with courtesy, concern, and responsiveness in every interaction.
- Collaboration: Works well with diverse teams across local, state, and federal levels.
- Organization: Keeps tasks, deadlines, and priorities in order to keep the work moving smoothly.
- Problem solving: Resolves conflicts and de-escalates tense situations with sound judgment.
- Adaptability: Manages multiple tasks and adjusts quickly when priorities change.
- Communication: Coaches and trains staff clearly and collaborates with local office teams.
Interested? Apply today!
As part of the application, you'll be asked to submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references (they will not be contacted without your prior approval).
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.
Questions? Please contact or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 05788.
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 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. 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 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 (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 (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 , 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 Washingto