Social Service Specialist III

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals in need? At the Stockley Center, we are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Social Service Specialist III to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will provide specialized social service work, supporting clients through challenging situations, including crisis intervention and emergency assistance. You’ll be at the forefront of helping clients navigate complex needs, offering guidance, referrals, and ensuring they have access to the resources they require.

As a Social Service Specialist III, you will conduct interviews, assess eligibility, and provide expert advice to clients facing various challenges. You will offer critical crisis intervention, which may include phone counseling and making essential decisions regarding hospitalization or specialized care. You will also maintain comprehensive case records, promote public relations for the agency, and collaborate with other social service organizations and community resources to ensure clients receive the best support.

If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can truly impact lives and be part of a supportive, mission-driven team, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Join us and be part of a team that makes a real difference in the community.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Interviews, assesses and advises clients to determine eligibility, needs and course of action to meet needs.
• May provide phone counseling evaluations and crisis intervention to determine admission of clients to hospitals or other special treatment facilities.
• Documents, verifies, records and reports client information.
• Refers ineligible clients to appropriate agencies and resources.
• May provide coverage for other agency assistance programs as assigned.
• Utilizes the resources of social services/other agencies, and community resources as a means of dealing with identified needs/problems.
• Maintains adequate records of provided services including case files and related material.
• Provides referral information to individual and general public, promotes effective public relations for agency.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Social Service Specialist III
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Three years experience in health or human services support such as interviewing clients and assessing personal, health, social or financial needs in accordance with program requirements or coordinating with community resources to obtain client services.
2. Three years experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
3. Six months experience in making recommendations as part of a clients service plan such as clinical treatment, counseling, or determining eligibility for health or human services/benefits.
4. Six months experience in record keeping.
5. Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.  This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.