DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington • Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

1d

About The Position

DSHS Home and Community Services (HCS) Division is hiring for a Social Service Specialist 2 to serve as an Intake Specialist. This role sits within the Home and Community Living Administration and includes clients who are high risk of being placed in an institution. This position assists to maintain client safety and wellness in the community setting and the client’s setting of choice. This is the journey level position, under general supervision, that provides professional level social services education and information. The incumbent will perform routine social service functions related to enhanced screening, screen need for assessment, information and referral, risk assessment and at this level will continue to receive advanced level training. You will also serve as a journey specialist that provides information to access Home and Community Services for persons or referrals that come in via faxed referrals, in addition to applications for Medicaid, phone calls or walk-ins.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or higher in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field; AND Completion of the agency’s social services specialist training program OR Concurrent to qualification standards used for HCS SSS1 to SSS2 in-training quals.
• Equivalent education (in lieu bachelor’s degree) /experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
• 5 years (minimum) experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints or problems, such as resolving and guiding clients, families, and advocates through state or federal agencies, community services and problem-solving complex complaints, inquiries and customer service-related issues from client’s, related to mitigating services provided by community, city, state, and federal and community agencies.
• Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
• One year of experience working with seniors and persons with disabilities
• Ability to communicate and comprehend through oral and written forms of communication, with management, peers, clients and the public
• Ability to identity and follow chain of command and utilize appropriate communication channels
• Ability to adhere to work schedule
• Ability to adapt to change, respecting differences in opinion and values
• Ability and skill to operate office technology devices such as desktop and portable computers
• Ability to use paramedical knowledge specifically related to aging and long-time disability
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all client data
• Ability to travel
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Responsibilities

• Perform routine social service functions related to enhanced screening, need for assessments and services, information and referral, risk assessment and at this level will continue to receive advanced level training
• Provide professional level social services education and information about accessing Home and Community Services for persons or referrals that come in via faxed referrals, applications for Medicaid, phone calls or walk-ins
• Interviews and educates the applicant or referent about LTSS, including functional and basic financial eligibility requirements
• Gather brief information needed during an enhanced screening to refer to the most appropriate program and service(s) based upon the needs of the individual and the availability and requirements of all of the services, including Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) or Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) that focus on supporting unpaid family caregivers
• Inform the applicant of the possibility of the cost of care for services and that Estate Recovery laws may apply
• Document relevant safety issues that an assessor should be aware of prior to making a home visit
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation need
• Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

What This Job Offers

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