DSHS HCLA Nursing Facility Case Manager - Social Service Specialist

Social Service Specialist 3 - Nursing Facility Case Manager

Washington State's Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring a Nursing Facility Case Manager to join our team in Spokane, WA. In this specialized role you will support older adults and adults with disabilities who live in nursing facilities and seek transition into community-based care. The position focuses on thoughtful planning, careful assessment, and coordinated support to help people move into settings that better align with their needs, preferences, and well-being.

In this role you will work closely with individuals, families, care providers, and community partners to understand each person’s situation and develop service plans that promote safety, stability, and independence. Your work helps ensure services are appropriate, timely, and delivered with respect for personal choice. The position requires sound judgment, strong communication, and a steady, compassionate approach. It is complex and meaningful, offering the opportunity to make a lasting difference in people’s lives through careful decision-making and consistent follow-through.

• Conduct in-depth assessments in nursing facilities, homes, and residential settings to determine care needs and service eligibility.
• Identify individuals who are eligible for relocation from nursing facilities and support safe, well-planned transitions to community settings.
• Explain long-term care options and help clients choose the right care for them.
• Work with clients, families, and nursing facility staff to create a plan that supports the client’s goals and independence.
• Coordinate services with care providers and community partners to ensure clients receive the support they need.
• Assist clients with applying for benefits, managing payments, and understanding eligibility for programs.
• Coordinate with families, medical providers, contractors, and community partners to support continuity of care.
• Assist individuals with applications and paperwork related to long-term care services and benefits.
• Verify financial and program eligibility and calculate participation amounts when required.
• Manage and prioritize a caseload in line with workload expectations and timelines.
• Complete accurate documentation and maintain organized, up-to-date case records.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and case discussions to support quality practice and continuous learning.

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/jury or a related field, and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/jury or a related field, plus two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• An equivalent combination of education and two years of paid social service 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. Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for children and/or adults and providing direct, family-centered practice services.

• Assessment and casework practice:
  Ability to apply social casework principles and evidence-based practices when assessing high-risk adults and elders, including functional assessments, fall prevention strategies, and medication considerations.
• Policy application:
  Knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations, and long-term care policies, with the ability to apply them accurately when determining eligibility and authorizing services.
• Relationship-building and advocacy:
  Capacity to build trust while supporting dignity, independence, and informed decision-making for the people served.
• Service planning and coordination:
  Experience developing individualized service plans that support safety, independence, and client choice, while coordinating with families, providers, and community partners.
• Cl…