DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington•King County – Renton, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 2 supporting the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division in King County. In this role, you will assist high-risk, medically fragile adults who are both medically and financially dependent as they navigate applying for crucial services that are needed for them to remain safely in the community. Your responsibilities include coordinating services, offering consultation, and completing complex eligibility determinations for Non-Grant Medical Assistance (NGMA), SSI Facilitation, Aged, Blind, and Disabled Cash Assistance (ABD), and Housing and Essential Needs (HEN). This position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, and to adhere to strict deadlines while serving some of Washington’s most vulnerable residents.

Requirements

Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and successful completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program
A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law or justice, or a closely related field and one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience
A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law or justice, or a closely related field and two years of paid social service experience performing duties equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1
Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children or adults and providing direct, family-centered practice services.
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.

Nice To Haves

Strong communication skills demonstrated through effective interaction with management, peers, clients, and the public.
Applied social-work knowledge with the ability to use Social Work and Casework theory, principles, and practices in daily decision-making.
Skilled client triage with the ability to assess needs, prioritize care, and manage complex client situations.
Effective problem solving through analyzing issues, evaluating social dynamics, resolving complaints, and developing workable solutions.
Professional interviewing and writing including interviewing clients with interpreters, composing clear and grammatically correct letters, and maintaining objectivity while supporting client independence.
A two-year master’s degree in one of the fields listed above that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
Equivalent education and experience totaling six or more years may be considered.

Responsibilities

Facilitate NGMA claims for clients needing COPES or waivered services while maintaining proficiency in NGMA, MPC, CFC, and COPES policy.
Consult with HCS staff to determine NGMA need, coordinate referrals, and communicate disability-determination decisions.
Coordinate medical evidence by working with health care professionals and interpreting diagnostic and functional information.
Maintain accurate case records by updating ICMS entries, meeting deadlines, and ensuring all documents and referrals are processed timely.
Support SSI facilitation by coordinating required forms, assisting with applications and appeals, and providing information on legal services and citizenship.
Determine ABD/HEN eligibility by applying program policy and completing the Sequential Evaluation Process.