DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3 - Transition and Sustainability SME

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS), Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 to support adults with disabilities who are transitioning from institutional settings and/or in need of sustainability services.

This position performs advanced level specialized case management duties. This position is effective at offering and utilizing all services and supports available (i.e. Community Choice Guide, Client Training, Housing, NED Vouchers, Bridge Acute hospital, GOSH, etc.) to assist in relocations to community settings based on the client's choice and preferences.

This position requires excellent organizational skills as they will often actively working with many different clients at different stages of transition and stabilization. You will engage directly with adults and, when appropriate, their representatives and various case managers to understand what matters most to them, support client centered informed decision-making, and help align available services with individual preferences whenever possible.

Some of what you'll do:

• Maintain expert knowledge of Transition and Sustainability Services offered by HCLA/HCS.
• Ensure program criteria is met for enrollment and spending limits are followed per policy.
• Provide information on Transition and Sustainability Services in trainings, unit meetings, and individually.
• Coordinate with regional SME's and Supervisors to identify and address training needs for staff and providers. Participate in the development of training curriculum and informative tools regarding Transitional and Sustainability Services.
• Consult and collaborate with case managers, supervisors, Program Managers, and Social and Health Program Consultants regarding client cases.
• Input and modify Provider One payment authorizations for all Region 2 Centralized Providers.
• Maintain expert knowledge of the Provider One payment system and how it interfaces with CARE and ACES.
• Provide auxiliary case management services to clients meeting criteria set forth in the HCLA Long Term Care Manual and policies during and sometimes immediately after community transition.

Who should apply? We are looking for professionals with:

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2 . OR
• A master's degree
  * in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field, and one year of paid social service experience
  ** equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2 . OR
• A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field, plus two years of paid social service experience
  ** performing duties equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2 . OR
• An equivalent combination of education in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or a related field, AND paid social service work experience
  ** totaling at least six years.

* A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Person-centered engagement:
  Ability to listen attentively to adults and their representatives, understand their preferences and priorities, and support informed choices within program requirements
• Assessment and evaluation:
  Using comprehensive functional assessments, gathering relevant information, and determining eligibility, level of care, and service need as it pertains to transition out of institutional medical settings.
• Service planning and case management:
  Assist and advise in developing individualized service plans, coordinating long-term care services, and providing ongoing support to promote stability and independence
• Policy application:
  Interpreting and applying Medicaid regulations, long-term care policies, and social service principles to ensure accurate and consistent decisions
• Problem solving:
  Analyzing complex situations, resolving service-related issues, and implementing practical solutions while maintaining objectivity and confidentiality
• Technology use:
  Navigating CARE, ACES, Provider One, Barcode, and other systems to document work, manage caseloads, and support service delivery
• Collaboration:
  
  Working effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners while following departmental policies, procedures, and manuals

About HCLA and HCS The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) oversees Washington state's nationally recognized system of long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities. This includes home and community-based care, protections against abuse and neglect, regulatory oversight of licensed settings, and case management services. Within HCLA, the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division plans, develops, and provides long-term care services, including Medicaid-funded programs, to help individuals live as…