DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Colville, WA! In this key role within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services (HCS), you will work with high-risk, frail, and vulnerable adults residing in residential settings such as Adult Family Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. You will conduct comprehensive, in-home assessments using a laptop-based system to determine functional eligibility for Medicaid long‑term care services and develop individualized, client‑centered service plans in partnership with clients and their representatives.

This position plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for individuals in need, collaborating with community residential partners, resolving issues, and stabilizing placements to help clients live safe, healthy, and secure lives. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a large residential caseload are essential to preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and supporting client independence.

• Conduct in‑home functional assessments using the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting and Evaluation (CARE) tool to determine clients’ level of care and eligibility for long‑term services and supports.
• Develop individualized, client‑centered service plans in collaboration with clients and/or their representatives.
• Determine eligibility and authorize services for Home and Community Services (HCS) programs such as Medicaid Personal Care (MPC), Community First Choice (CFC), Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), the Residential Support Waiver (RSW), and other long‑term care programs and residential placements.
• Provide ongoing case management to support clients in maintaining independence, resolving issues, and preventing unnecessary hospitalization or facility placement.
• Assist clients with financial eligibility, benefit applications, and determining cost of care; authorize payment for approved long‑term care services.
• Document assessments, case management activities, and service authorizations using CARE, Provider One, ACES, Barcode, and other department systems.
• Collaborate with team members, community partners, and collateral contacts; participate in required training, meetings, and professional development activities.

• Effectively communicate orally and in writing with clients, families, peers, management, and external partners; conduct client interviews, including with interpreters, and compose professional correspondence.
• Conduct in‑home assessments using the CARE tool and other agency systems to evaluate client needs and determine eligibility for long‑term care programs.
• Develop individualized, client‑centered care plans, link clients to agency and community resources, and provide ongoing case management to support independence and well‑being.
• Apply social casework principles and knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations, and long‑term care program policies to make informed client service decisions.
• Navigate and utilize agency computer systems, including ACES, Provider One, Outlook/email, Barcode Document Management System, and basic office software for documentation and communication.
• Analyze client, program, and service issues, resolve conflicts, and implement practical solutions while maintaining professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, external agencies, and community partners; follow departmental policies, manuals, and procedures to support the mission and goals of the department.

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A Master’s in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A Bachelor’s in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

• A two‑year…