DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3
About The Position
The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring two Social Service Specialists to join its Spokane, Washington, in-training team. This is a one-year, in-person, intensive training program for Residential Social Service Specialist 3, conducted at Rock Point in Spokane. The work supports HCLA’s vision of seniors and people with disabilities living with good health, independence, dignity, and control over decisions that affect their lives. The position is field-based, with weekly travel. Depending on performance, a flexible schedule may be considered after the first six months of training. The specialist meets with people with disabilities and older adults, particularly those with low incomes, to assess eligibility and develop plans of care for clients in residential facilities. The role provides tailored, wraparound services and supports clients in Region 1. Employees must successfully complete the division-sponsored formal training course within eighteen months of appointment.
Requirements
- One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2; or a master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; or a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
- Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.
- A two-year master’s degree in one of the listed fields that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
- Successfully complete the division-sponsored formal training course within eighteen months of appointment.
- Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology and policy implementation.
- Mindfulness and effective, flexible communication with clients, representatives, and community partners.
- Ability to work in clients’ home environments with a diverse caseload.
- Ability to multitask and use time management, organizational, and critical thinking skills to meet deadlines, remain flexible, and provide solutions.
- Experience conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized service plans.
- A valid driver’s license is required for employees driving on state business. Employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must have liability insurance.
Responsibilities
- Conduct in-person, client-centered functional assessment interviews at clients’ residential facilities using a laptop and software.
- Determine eligibility for Community First Choice, Community Options Program Entry Systems, Medicaid Personal Care, or other applicable programs.
- Develop individualized ongoing service plans in collaboration with clients and representatives.
- Coordinate client needs with families, facilities, and community resources, including consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention.
- Provide case management to high-risk adults whose needs are addressed through a service plan developed following an adult protective services investigation.
- Authorize appropriate services and payments.
- Document contacts and situations; occasionally prepare and provide testimony at hearings and legal proceedings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
