Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Central, Utah, United States, 84722
DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3
Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 with the Department of Social and Health Services in Region 1, working out of Wenatchee and Moses Lake, WA. In this key role within the Home and Community Living Administration, Home and Community Services, you will assess, create, and develop care plans and determine nursing facility level of care required for clients. This position is at the specialist level and independently provides intensive and expert services to a population of high risk and frail adults who are medically and financially dependent and in need of the full range of HCS services.
Some Of What You’ll Do
Conduct functional assessments using the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting and Evaluation (CARE) tool to determine clients’ level of care and eligibility for long‑term services and supports. Assessments are conducted in the client’s home, whether that is an in‑home or residential setting.
Develop individualized, client‑centered service plans in collaboration with clients and/or their representatives.
Determine eligibility and authorize services for Home and Community Services programs such as Medicaid Personal Care, Community First Choice, Community Options Program Entry System, the Residential Support Waiver, and other long‑term care programs and residential placements.
Provide ongoing case management to support clients in maintaining independence and preventing unnecessary hospitalization or 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, ProviderOne, ACES, Barcode, and other department systems.
Collaborate with team members, community partners, and collateral contacts; participate in required training, meetings, and professional development activities.
Desired Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities
Effectively communicate orally and in writing with clients, families, peers, management, and external partners; conduct client interviews, including with interpreters, and compose professional correspondence.
Conduct assessments using the CARE tool and other agency systems to evaluate client needs and determine eligibility for long‑term care programs.
Develop individualized, client‑centered care plans, link clients to agency and community resources, and provide ongoing case management to support independence and well‑being.
Apply social casework principles and knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations, and long‑term care program policies to make informed client service decisions.
Navigate and utilize agency computer systems, including ACES, ProviderOne, Outlook/email, Barcode Document Management System, and basic office software for documentation and communication.
Analyze client, program, and service issues, resolve conflicts, and implement practical solutions while maintaining professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, external agencies, and community partners; follow departmental policies, manuals, and procedures to support the mission and goals of the department.
Who should apply? We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 2; or
A Master’s in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; or
A Bachelor’s in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; or
An equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or a related field, totaling six years.
Additional Information
A two‑year Master’s degree in the above fields that included a practicum can substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
Employees must successfully complete the formal division‑sponsored training course within 12 months of appointment.
Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for elderly and vulnerable adults and providing direct family‑centered practice services.
Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along With Your Application, Please Include:
An updated resume.
Three professional references with contact information.
Questions? Please reach out to sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725‑5810 and reference job number 08733.
Supplemental Information Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Equal Opportunity 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 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.
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Some Of What You’ll Do
Conduct functional assessments using the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting and Evaluation (CARE) tool to determine clients’ level of care and eligibility for long‑term services and supports. Assessments are conducted in the client’s home, whether that is an in‑home or residential setting.
Develop individualized, client‑centered service plans in collaboration with clients and/or their representatives.
Determine eligibility and authorize services for Home and Community Services programs such as Medicaid Personal Care, Community First Choice, Community Options Program Entry System, the Residential Support Waiver, and other long‑term care programs and residential placements.
Provide ongoing case management to support clients in maintaining independence and preventing unnecessary hospitalization or 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, ProviderOne, ACES, Barcode, and other department systems.
Collaborate with team members, community partners, and collateral contacts; participate in required training, meetings, and professional development activities.
Desired Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities
Effectively communicate orally and in writing with clients, families, peers, management, and external partners; conduct client interviews, including with interpreters, and compose professional correspondence.
Conduct assessments using the CARE tool and other agency systems to evaluate client needs and determine eligibility for long‑term care programs.
Develop individualized, client‑centered care plans, link clients to agency and community resources, and provide ongoing case management to support independence and well‑being.
Apply social casework principles and knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations, and long‑term care program policies to make informed client service decisions.
Navigate and utilize agency computer systems, including ACES, ProviderOne, Outlook/email, Barcode Document Management System, and basic office software for documentation and communication.
Analyze client, program, and service issues, resolve conflicts, and implement practical solutions while maintaining professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, external agencies, and community partners; follow departmental policies, manuals, and procedures to support the mission and goals of the department.
Who should apply? We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 2; or
A Master’s in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; or
A Bachelor’s in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; or
An equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or a related field, totaling six years.
Additional Information
A two‑year Master’s degree in the above fields that included a practicum can substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
Employees must successfully complete the formal division‑sponsored training course within 12 months of appointment.
Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for elderly and vulnerable adults and providing direct family‑centered practice services.
Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along With Your Application, Please Include:
An updated resume.
Three professional references with contact information.
Questions? Please reach out to sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725‑5810 and reference job number 08733.
Supplemental Information Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Equal Opportunity 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 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr