DSHS HCLA Regional Training Specialist SHPC

State of Washington • Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is hiring a project-position Regional Training Specialist (Social and Health Program Consultant) to work closely with the Health Care Authority to develop and implement Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services and supports. Services include medically tailored meals, food and vegetable prescriptions, pantry restocking, air conditioners and installation for high-risk clients, pest eradication, displacement housing funding, hoarding remediation, and caregiver respite. HRSN services may be available to Apple Health-eligible clients when medically appropriate based on clinical and other health-related social needs.

The position’s primary role is to train field staff to assess eligibility for and authorize services for clients participating in the HRSN pilot program. The specialist provides training for staff who handle Home and Community Living Administration intake and serves as the primary liaison between field staff and headquarters to evaluate the effectiveness and cost savings of the new service package. This is a project position expected to run through June 2028.

The role offers hybrid telework anywhere in Washington State. Most work is conducted through virtual meetings and remote conversations from home, with assignment to the DSHS office closest to the employee’s home address as the duty station. Employees assigned to a King County DSHS office are eligible for 5% premium pay; those assigned to an office in King, Snohomish, or Pierce County are eligible for a free ORCA card.

Applicants should submit an updated resume and contact information for three professional references. A background check may be conducted before hire. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license; employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must carry liability insurance. DSHS emphasizes fairness, access, social justice, belonging, and service to Washingtonians from diverse communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, a health or social science, public administration, or a related field, and five years of professional experience planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs; or a master’s degree in one of these fields and four years of such experience.
• Alternatively, one year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 3 or equivalent, or two years of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 2 or equivalent.
• A social work degree must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• 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 for that vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Medicaid long-term care policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations in training and consultation for social services staff.
• Knowledge of programs administered by the DSHS Home and Community Living Administration that may affect the client population.
• Knowledge of current training methods and techniques for adult learners.
• Experience with the CARE Tool, the long-term care Quality Assurance process, and ProviderOne systems.

Responsibilities

• Train staff who provide front-door services for clients contacting Home and Community Living Administration Intake.
• Instruct staff on interviewing clients, family members, and/or authorized representatives who are eligible for or applying for Medicaid-funded services and supports.
• Serve as the primary liaison between field staff and headquarters to evaluate the effectiveness and cost savings of the HRSN service package.
• Train staff to develop individualized service plans with clients and/or representatives and authorize appropriate services for Apple Health clients using qualified providers when clients choose in-home long-term care services.
• Train staff to conduct intake interviews and initial risk assessments by phone or in person, including walk-in situations, to evaluate client care needs.
• Assess applicants’ functional and financial eligibility factors and explain Home and Community Services eligibility criteria to clients, referents, and community members.
• Conduct preliminary safety screenings when a client may need a home visit for a full CARE assessment.
• Refer clients to Public Benefits Specialist staff for complex questions about financial eligibility for services and supports.

Benefits

• King County premium pay of 5% for employees assigned to a DSHS office in King County.
• Free ORCA card for employees assigned to a DSHS office in King, Snohomish, or Pierce County.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level