DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

State of Washington • Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Service Specialist 3 works within the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services (HCS), serving high-risk, frail, and vulnerable adults living in residential settings such as Adult Family Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. The role conducts functional assessments to determine eligibility for Medicaid long-term care services and develops individualized, client-centered service plans in partnership with clients and their representatives. The position also provides ongoing case management, resolves issues with community residential partners, and works to stabilize placements and support clients’ independence, safety, and well-being.

The position manages a large residential caseload and uses department systems to document assessments, service authorizations, and case management activities. The schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Employees must successfully complete the formal division-sponsored training course within 18 months of appointment.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following 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 a related field plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields plus two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling six or more years.
• A two-year master’s degree in the listed fields that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
• Successfully complete the formal division-sponsored training course within 18 months of appointment.
• Communicate orally and in writing with clients, families, peers, management, and external partners; conduct interviews, including with interpreters, and compose professional correspondence.
• Conduct in-home assessments using the CARE tool and other agency systems to evaluate client needs and determine eligibility for long-term care programs.
• Develop individualized care plans, link clients to agency and community resources, and provide ongoing case management.
• Apply social casework principles and knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations, and long-term care program policies.
• Use agency computer systems, including ACES, ProviderOne, Outlook/email, Barcode Document Management System, and basic office software.
• Analyze client, program, and service issues; resolve conflicts and implement practical solutions while maintaining professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, external agencies, and community partners, and follow departmental policies, manuals, and procedures.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inpatient hospital functional assessments using the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting and Evaluation (CARE) tool to determine clients’ level of care and eligibility for long-term services and supports.
• Develop individualized, client-centered service plans in collaboration with clients and/or their representatives.
• Determine eligibility and authorize services for Home and Community Services (HCS) programs, including Medicaid Personal Care (MPC), Community First Choice (CFC), Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), the Residential Support Waiver (RSW), and other long-term care programs and residential placements.
• Provide ongoing case management to support clients in maintaining independence, resolving issues, and preventing unnecessary hospitalization or facility placement.
• Assist clients with financial eligibility, benefit applications, and determining cost of care; authorize payment for approved long-term care services.
• Document assessments, case management activities, and service authorizations using CARE, ProviderOne, ACES, Barcode, and other department systems.
• Collaborate with team members, community partners, and collateral contacts; participate in required training, meetings, and professional development activities.

What This Job Offers

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