DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 5

State of Washington • Spokane County – Spokane, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is seeking a Social Service Supervisor to lead a dedicated team in Spokane within the Home and Community Services (HCS) division. As a Social Service Supervisor, you will guide a team that helps older adults and people with disabilities receive the support they need to live safely and with dignity in their homes and communities. Our programs focus on independence, well-being, and choice for the people we serve. In this role, you will supervise a team of social service professionals who assess needs, develop care plans and coordinate long-term care services for people across the region. You will support your staff as they navigate complex situations, make thoughtful decisions and ensure services are delivered quickly and accurately to those who rely on them. This position is both people centered and systems focused. You will coach and guide staff, strengthen partnerships with hospitals, residential providers, Tribal governments and community organizations, and ensure services meet program standards and policy requirements.

Requirements

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4.
• OR Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3.
• OR Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• OR A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3.
• OR A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field AND five years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• OR A combination of higher education (in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field) and paid social service experience totaling at least nine years.
• Paid social service experience must include completing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized service plans for the elderly and disabled adult populations including determining the level of care to include care needs related to medical, dementia, and geriatric mental health treatment and interventions.
• A two year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership skills: Guide and support professional staff by setting expectations, providing feedback and helping them grow in their roles.
• Knowledge of long-term care programs: Understand services that support older adults and people with disabilities and apply program rules to ensure clients receive the right level of care.
• Coaching and training ability: Develop staff knowledge by explaining policy, demonstrating best practices and adapting training to different learning styles.
• Communication skills: Build trust by clearly explaining complex information to staff, community partners and members of the public.
• Organizational skills: Coordinate multiple responsibilities, deadlines and priorities while ensuring services are delivered accurately and on time.
• Conflict resolution skills: Address disagreements or concerns calmly and professionally to maintain productive working relationships.
• Analytical thinking: Review reports and program data to identify trends, correct errors and improve service delivery.
• Crisis management skills: Respond thoughtfully to difficult situations and help staff de-escalate conflict or urgent client needs.
• Technical skills: Confident use of computer systems and software to document services, review reports and communicate with staff and partners.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialists, including recruiting, hiring, training, mentoring, coaching, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee staff who assess individual client needs, determine appropriate nursing facility levels of care, and develop care plans to support clients in remaining or returning to the community.
• Ensure accurate authorization and timely service delivery from Medicaid Personal Care (MPC), Community First Choice (CFC), Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), Residential Support Waiver (RSW), and Nursing Facility Care programs.
• Implement performance standards, conduct quality assurance reviews, assign and prioritize work, and monitor staff performance, including initiating corrective or disciplinary actions as needed.
• Coordinate and conduct staff training, unit meetings, case staffing, and multi-disciplinary meetings, while keeping staff informed of policies, procedures, and program updates.
• Collaborate with community organizations, including the Community Services Office (CSO), Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services (HCS), Area Agency on Aging, hospitals, nursing and community-based facilities, local Tribal Governments, and other state and local agencies.
• Analyze data and reports to track performance measures, identify trends, correct errors, and equitably distribute workloads, while participating in workgroups, planning meetings, and committees for program improvement.

What This Job Offers

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