DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3
About The Position
The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring a Social Service Specialist 3 in Port Angeles, Washington. The position independently supports clients by ensuring they receive appropriate, quality services that reflect their individual needs, capabilities, and choices through timely assessment, service delivery, reassessment, and case management. It plans, promotes, develops, and provides long-term care services responsive to people with disabilities and older adults, with priority attention to low-income individuals and families. The role conducts face-to-face comprehensive assessments and reassessments at clients’ residences and in other settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and residential facilities. Using a laptop and a state-provided computerized system, the specialist determines clients’ level of care, including nursing facility level-of-care needs. The specialist develops initial and ongoing care plans to support clients in remaining in or returning to their communities, and provides case management to adults at high risk of institutionalization or whose service plans follow an adult protective services investigation. Applicants must meet one of these qualification pathways: one year as a Social Service Specialist 2; a master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; or a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields plus two years of paid social service experience performing equivalent functions. A two-year master’s degree in one of those fields that included a practicum substitutes for one year of paid social service experience. Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services. Employees must complete the division-sponsored formal training course within 18 months of appointment. A background check, including criminal record history, may be conducted before hire. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license; those using a privately owned vehicle for state business must carry liability insurance. Applicants must include an updated resume with their application.
Requirements
- At least one year of experience in a mental health or behavioral health setting, or providing direct services to people with mental health conditions.
- Meet one of the following qualification pathways: one year as a Social Service Specialist 2; a qualifying master’s degree plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; or a qualifying bachelor’s degree plus two years of paid social service experience performing equivalent functions.
- 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 a qualifying field that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
- Complete the division-sponsored formal training course within 18 months of appointment.
- Strong verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with clients, peers, management, the public, and interpreters.
- Ability to prioritize and organize workload according to office policy, timeframes, and workload expectations, and to reprioritize assignments for emergencies or unit coverage.
- Ability to independently resolve complaints, inquiries, and client/customer service problems while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
- Ability to interpret agency laws, regulations, and processes.
- Word processing and data-entry/keyboarding skills; ability to use office software and learn new programs.
- Ability to operate office equipment such as fax machines, keyboards, scanners, and printers and perform clerical tasks.
- Ability to work independently and make independent decisions.
- Ability to learn or possess knowledge of DSHS policies, rules, and laws.
- 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.
- Submit an updated resume with the application.
Responsibilities
- Conduct and complete face-to-face comprehensive client assessments and reassessments in private homes, adult family homes, hospitals, and other facilities using a state-provided computerized system.
- Determine clients’ level of care, including nursing facility level-of-care needs.
- Provide case management services to clients who meet criteria in Aging & Disability Services Long Term Care manuals and policies.
- Develop initial and ongoing care plans that support clients in remaining in or returning to their communities.
- Make referrals to other community resources.
- Consult and staff cases with a supervisor.
- File care documents, draft letters, and respond to administrative requests for reports or constituent responses.
- Refer Skin Observation Protocols (SPOs) and triggered critical indicators to the Community Nurse Consultant according to ADSA protocol; consult with a nurse as needed on complex medical issues or terminology.
- Provide client advocacy, consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention.
- Coordinate with families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies regarding clients’ needs.
- Participate in case staffing, A-Team, and case coordination meetings, including meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
