DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 5 - Supervisor

DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 5 - Supervisor

Salary

$6,576.00 - $8,842.00 Monthly

Location

Clark County - Vancouver, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-04116

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

ESA

Opening Date

05/15/2026

Closing Date

5/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

DSHS ESA- Social Service Supervisor - Social Service Specialist 5

Are you a leader who believes strong teams create stronger outcomes for the communities they serve? DSHSs Economic Services Administration (ESA) is seeking a Social Service Supervisor to lead a social work team located at the Columbia River Community Services Office in Vancouver, Washington. This is front-line supervisory work as you guide your team of Social Service Specialists and Case Planning Support Specialists as they help people navigate complex barriers to employment and stability, including mental health challenges, domestic violence, housing instability, and physical disabilities. Your team will serve some of our communitys most vulnerable residents.

In this role, your decisions matter every day. You will review case plans, approve key social worker actions, and make sure your team follows state and federal program guidelines for WorkFirst and General Assistance Unemployable programs. You will also build and maintain relationships with community partners to connect clients with the resources they need. If you are an experienced social services professional who wants to put your expertise to work supporting both staff and the people they serve, this role offers meaningful, challenging work in a collaborative office environment.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what youll do:

• Provide front-line supervision to Social Service Specialists and and Case Planning Support Specialists, including assigning, prioritizing, reviewing, and monitoring work to ensure timely and consistent service delivery.
• Guide staff through screening, assessment, eligibility determination, case planning, and crisis intervention for WorkFirst and General Assistance Unemployable programs, and review and approve key worker actions including Protective Payee requests, Child Support Good Cause Decisions, Non-Participation Sanctions, Voucher payments, and Exceptions to Rule or Policy.
• Make independent and collaborative decisions on cases involving mental health, domestic violence, chemical dependency, homelessness, developmental disabilities, and other barriers to employment and stability.
• Review and interpret medical, psychiatric, psychological, and vocational reports to determine job readiness, scope of WorkFirst participation, and eligibility for state and federal programs.
• Monitor alpha caseloads for uniform size and progress, and review eJAS cases for accuracy, including Individual Responsibility Plans, activity codes, and actual hours, in accordance with WorkFirst policy standards.
• Conduct performance evaluations, address attendance, train and mentor staff, and coordinate recruitment and hiring for social services positions.
• Build and maintain working relationships with community partners including Employment Security, Housing Authority, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Workforce Development Council, and medical providers to support client case planning and barrier removal.
• Represent the office at Local Planning Area meetings, collaborate with the management team and WorkFirst Program Supervisors on local policies, and back up the Administrator during their absence.

Who should apply? We are seeking professionals that meet the following criteria:

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.

OR

• Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.

OR

• Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND one year of paid social service experience* equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3.

OR

• A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND five years of paid social service experience* performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR

• A combination of higher education (in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field) and paid social service experience* totaling at least nine years.

NOTE: A two year masters degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within eighteen months of their appointment.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Supervision: Assigns and monitors work across social work units, reviews case plans for appropriateness, and addresses performance issues with clear, constructive feedback.
• Coaching: Mentors staff through complex cases and supports professional growth through formal training and ongoing guidance.
• Policy knowledge: Applies state and federal welfare laws, WorkFirst program rules, and public assistance regulations accurately and consistently across the unit.
• Critical thinking: Analyzes caseloads, identifies trends, and recommends strategies that help clients move toward independence.
• Decision-making: Makes sound, independent judgments in complex situations involving mental health, domestic violence, housing instability, and other barriers to employment.
• Communication: Conveys information clearly in writing and verbally to staff, partner agencies, management, and the public across a wide range of situations.
• Relationship building: Develops cooperative working relationships with staff, contracted providers, and community organizations based on mutual respect and shared goals.
• Technical proficiency: Uses agency systems including eJAS, ACES, and Barcode, along with standard office software, to complete work accurately and efficiently.
• Organizational skills: Manages workflow, balances competing priorities, and coordinates scheduling to keep the unit operating effectively.

Interested? Apply today!

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 reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 04116.

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 drivers 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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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 Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

How many years of experience do you have in social services?

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov