DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for multiple dedicated Social Service Specialists to join our teams in Everett, Lynnwood, and Arlington, WA. This specialized role supports individuals with complex medical and/or behavioral health concerns in need of in-home or residential supports and services. You’ll conduct in‑person assessments, develop individualized care plans, and coordinate long‑term services that help clients maintain independence, safety, and well‑being in the setting of their choice.

This position also works closely with community partners to ensure clients have access to the full range of supports needed for long‑term success.

The In-Training Plan begins with the selected candidate hired as a Social Service Specialist 2, focusing on foundational training in organizational policies, statutes, and case management practices. During this phase, the employee receives closely supervised, limited, and pre‑screened case assignments, along with ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback. After approximately six months and successful completion of the training plan, evaluated through documented performance reviews, the candidate may be promoted to Social Service Specialist 3 and begin a six‑month trial service period in the new role.

• Conduct in‑depth assessments and reassessments of clients in various settings, including private homes, adult family homes, hospitals, or other facilities, using a state‑provided computerized system.
• Work directly with individuals who may exhibit complex or challenging behaviors.
• Develop individualized care plans that support clients in remaining in or safely transitioning back to the community from institutional settings such as hospitals or nursing facilities.
• Provide case management services including implementing service plans, monitoring progress, offering advocacy, resolving crises, and coordinating with family members and care providers.
• Evaluate client needs and circumstances to determine eligibility for long‑term services and supports, including initiating, adjusting, or ending services based on state guidelines.
• Work closely with hospital staff, residential care providers, behavioral health teams, and other community partners to ensure safe discharges and continued support in the community.
• Maintain organized and up‑to‑date electronic case records, prioritize workload effectively, and respond to urgent situations and administrative requests as needed.
• Take part in team meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts to stay connected with agency goals, service requirements, and available community resources.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to work effectively with clients, peers, management, the public, and interpreters.
• Knowledge and application of social casework theory, principles, and practices to support client care and promote independence.
• Ability to assess client needs, triage care, and resolve complaints while maintaining professionalism, objectivity, and cultural sensitivity.
• Skilled in identifying social dynamics that influence client choices and using that insight to support sound decision‑making.
• Proficient in writing professional, grammatically correct correspondence and case documentation.
• Capable of working independently, managing time effectively, meeting deadlines, and following proper communication channels.
• Adaptable to change, open to diverse perspectives, and committed to problem‑solving and developing practical solutions to program challenges.

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• 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 Social Service Specialist 1.
• 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 Social Service Specialist 1.

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