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State of Washington

DSHS HCLA WCF Assessment Specialist - Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States

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DSHS HCLA WCF Assessment Specialist - Social Service Specialist 2 Apply for the

DSHS HCLA WCF Assessment Specialist - Social Service Specialist 2

role at State of Washington.

DSHS's Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) WCF

is hiring key team members to assist in the full implementation of the WA Cares Fund. Beginning in 2026, the program will help eligible individuals and their authorized representatives apply for and access benefits that pay for daily‑living activities.

Location The duty station is Wenatchee. The position allows a flexible/hybrid schedule as business needs permit. Travel for in‑home assessments and meetings is expected frequently.

What You’ll Do

Conduct in‑person and remote WA Cares Fund functional assessments in homes, hospitals, nursing facilities, and residential settings.

Evaluate eligibility by assessing activities of daily living, level of assistance required, and overall care needs.

Interpret assessment findings to approve or deny WA Cares Fund services in alignment with statute and policy.

Develop recommended service plans that support individuals in remaining in, or returning to, their communities.

Provide clear information about long‑term care services, program limitations, and provider options.

Educate individuals and family members on qualified family caregiver requirements and payment options.

Make referrals to alternative community, state, or federal resources when appropriate.

Serve as a mandated reporter by initiating referrals to Adult Protective Services when required.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation in all WA Cares Fund systems.

Prepare reports, correspondence, and required informational materials.

Reprioritize workload to respond to emergencies, coverage needs, and program deadlines.

Who Should Apply 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, criminal law/justice, 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, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, AND two years of paid social service experience** performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

Or equivalent education/experience**.

Note:

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

Application Details 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.

Have questions? Reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov, reference 08888.

Equal Opportunity Employment Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate 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 dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format 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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. The package includes medical, vision, dental, basic life insurance, flexible spending accounts, long‑term disability insurance, and more. Employees are also eligible for a medical flexible spending account, basic life and long‑term disability insurance, and additional coverage options. Information regarding premium rates, coverage choices, and enrollment is available on the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority supports workplace wellness initiatives. Dependent care assistance, auto/boat/home/renter insurance, and the Employee Assistance Program are available through payroll deduction.

State employees can join the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). All state employees are covered by federal Social Security and Medicare systems. Eligible employees may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Full‑time employees receive paid holidays and personal holidays; part‑time employees receive pro‑rated entitlements. Sick leave accrues at rate of eight hours per month for full‑time employees. Detailed leave policies (vacation, bereavement, military, parental, FMLA, etc.) follow WAC regulations and agency guidelines. For complete details, visit the State HR website.

Seniority level Entry level

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Education and Training

Industries Government Administration

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