DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist

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 complete 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.

This position requires thoughtful listening, professional judgment, and the ability to balance client choice with program requirements. You will engage directly with adults and, when appropriate, their representatives to understand what matters most to them, support informed decision-making, and help align available services with individual preferences whenever possible.

Operating at the specialist level, this role requires independence, strong organizational skills, and consistent application of Medicaid policy. Your work supports safety, stability, and quality of life while helping individuals remain in settings that best meet their needs and personal circumstances.

Some of what you'll do:

• 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 (CFC), Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), the Residential Support Waiver (RSW), 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.

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.

** Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for elderly and/or vulnerable adults and providing direct, client-centered practice services.

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

• Person-centered engagement:
  Ability to listen attentively to adults, understand their preferences and priorities, and support informed choices within program requirements
• Assessment and evaluation:
  Conducting comprehensive functional assessments, gathering relevant information, and determining eligibility, level of care, and service needs
• Service planning and case management:
  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…