DSHS HCLA Assessment Specialist

DSHS HCLA - WA Cares Fund Assessment & Community Support Specialist (Social Service Specialist
2)

Location:

Workstations available in Everett, Kent, Bellevue, Bellingham, or Mount Vernon.

Make a meaningful impact in long‑term care policy by becoming part of the founding team for Washington State’s WA Cares Fund (WCF). The WCF offers affordable long‑term care insurance coverage to working Washingtonians and is the nation’s first long‑term services and supports social insurance program.

As a WA Cares Fund Assessor Specialist you will meet people both in‑person and remotely to conduct functional assessments and determine eligibility for the WCF program, helping individuals stay in or return to their communities.

We are continuously accepting applications for this ad until all openings are filled.

• Conduct in‑person and remote functional assessments to determine long‑term care needs and WA Cares Fund eligibility.
• Interpret assessment findings and personal information to approve or deny WA Cares Fund services.
• Develop and implement individualized service plans that guide long‑term care supports.
• Educate individuals, families, professionals, and the public about long‑term care options, program benefits, rates, and limitations.
• Provide guidance on provider enrollment, service search processes, and rate‑setting best practices.
• Counsel families on qualified caregiver requirements, payment options, and available legal or informational resources.
• Refer individuals to community resources or alternative programs when WA Cares Fund is not pursued.
• Ensure accurate, timely documentation and data entry while responding to administrative requests.
• Make referrals to Adult Protective Services or investigative bodies when safety concerns arise.
• Adapt priorities and workflows to address emergencies, coverage needs, and support individuals in remaining safely in their communities.

• Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1 plus completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
• Or a master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience.
• Or a bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
• Or six years of professional/practical experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

NOTE:

A two‑year master’s degree in one of the above fields that includes a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within one year of appointment.

Please submit a current resume, contact information for three professional references, and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.

Contact Vincent Hamilton ilton.gov and reference 00052.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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. 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.

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 guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or…