DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS), Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 to support older adults and adults with disabilities who receive long‑term care services in residential and community‑based settings. In this role, you will work with individuals who may be medically fragile, financially dependent, or at risk of institutional placement. You will perform comprehensive in‑person assessments, determine eligibility for long‑term services and supports, and develop individualized service plans that reflect each person’s needs, goals, and stated preferences.

• Conduct comprehensive, initial assessments and reassessments using the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting and Evaluation (CARE) tool to determine functional need, level of care, and service eligibility.
• Engage directly with adults to understand their priorities, preferences, and goals, and incorporate this information into service planning within program guidelines.
• Develop individualized, client‑centered service plans in partnership with clients and their representatives, supporting choice while ensuring program compliance.
• Determine eligibility and authorize services for Home and Community Services (HCS) programs such as Community First Choice, Community Options Program Entry System, the Residential Support Waiver, and other long‑term care programs and residential placements.
• Authorize and monitor services and payments for approved long‑term care supports.
• Provide ongoing case management to support clients in maintaining independence, resolving issues, and preventing unnecessary hospitalization or nursing 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, residential providers, community partners, and collateral contacts; participate in required training, meetings, and professional development activities.

• 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 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 and paid social service work experience totaling at least six years.
• Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for elderly and/or vulnerable adults and providing direct, client‑centered practice services.

• Person‑centered engagement:
  Ability to listen attentively to adults, understand their preferences and priorities, and support informed choices within program requirements.
• Assessment and evaluation:
  Conduct comprehensive functional assessments, gather relevant information, and determine eligibility, level of care, and service needs.
• Service planning and case management:
  Develop individualized service plans, coordinate long‑term care services, and provide ongoing support to promote stability and independence.
• Policy application:
  Interpret and apply Medicaid regulations, long‑term care policies, and social service principles to ensure accurate and consistent decisions.
• Problem solving:
  Analyze complex situations, resolve service‑related issues, and implement practical solutions while maintaining objectivity and confidentiality.
• Technology use:
  Navigate CARE, ACES, Provider One, Barcode, and other systems to document work, manage caseloads, and support service delivery.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners while following departmental policies, procedures, and manuals.

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 or 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 dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725‑5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.