DSHS HCLA Nursing Facility Case Manager - Social Service Specialist 3

State of Washington; Washington; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the State of Washington as a Nursing Facility Case Manager. In this role, you'll support older adults and individuals with disabilities in transitioning to community-based living environments. Your tasks will include comprehensive assessments, developing individualized service plans, and collaborating with care teams. This field-based position requires a commitment to advocacy and community integration, utilizing your expertise to help clients navigate crucial life decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in social services or related field with 2 years of experience, or 6 years in social services.
• Master's degree with 1 year experience as Social Service Specialist 2 is also acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and build service plans for clients.
• Coordinate with families and community resources for transitions.
• Document eligibility and manage client applications for financial support.

Skills

Cultural humility

Knowledge of Medicaid programs

Communication

Assessment skills

Time management

Organization and attention to detail

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, or related field

Master's degree in social services, human services, or related field

Job description

Nursing Facility Case Manager -Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

Are you someone who thrives on building trust,helping people navigate big life changes, and solving complex puzzles? As a Nursing Facility Case Manager (Social Service Specialist 3) with Home and Community Services (HCS), you’ll be part of a team that helps older adults and people with disabilities move into living arrangements that reflect their goals and preferences.

In this position, you'll be focused on helping clients prepare for and transition into the home or community-based setting of their choosing—whether that’s independent living, an adult family home, or assisted living. You’ll work with individuals who are medically and financially eligible for long-term services and supports, many of whom face significant health and social challenges. This position keeps you on your toes—in the best way—combining relationship-building with thoughtful action and meaningful results.

Your role is both strategic and deeply personal. From conducting assessments and building service plans to coordinating housing resources and care providers, you’ll guide people through some of life’s most important decisions with compassion, structure, and a focus on choice. You’ll collaborate with care teams, families, and community partners to ensure each client has what they need to live safely and successfully in their new setting.

Please note: This position is field-based, and your work will cover mainly Yakima County and occasionally other counties within Region 1. A duty station of Union Gap or Toppenish can be assigned. Travel is a function of the job and occurs daily. A hybrid telework schedule may be available as business needs allow.

Some of what you will do

• Conduct initial outreach meetings to identify nursing facility residents who are eligible and interested in relocating to a home or community-based setting.
• Conduct in-person, client-centered comprehensive assessments in the client’s places of residency. Using a laptop, software and resources such as DSHS’s Comprehensive Assessment Reporting & Evaluation (CARE) Web computerized tool.
• Document functional eligibility and nursing facility level of care (NFLOC) in alignment with Long-Term Care Manual standards.
• Provide education on Medicaid long-term care options and coordinate discharge planning with nursing facility staff, clients, families, and representatives.
• As a client advocate, coordinate client needs with families, facilities, and community resources, as well as consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention.
• Develop individualized service plans based on client goals, strengths, and needs—working collaboratively with nursing facility staff, care providers, and community partners.
• Use contracted providers and DSHS services to support a smooth transition from nursing facilities to the client’s preferred setting.
• Authorize and set up in-home or residential care services, including coordinating with Managed Care Organizations, care agencies, and Individual Providers.
• Ensure all client documents are complete, accurate, and submitted in accordance with program guidelines. On occasion, prepare and provide testimony at hearings and legal proceedings.
• Assist clients with completing applications for Medicaid, Non-Grant Medical Assistance, and other financial supports; verify eligibility and determine appropriate program pathways.
• Prioritize your caseload to meet policy deadlines and provide coverage for colleagues or other units as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, case staffings, trainings, and collaborative sessions with internal teams and external partners.

Who should apply?Professionals who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Six years of professional/practical social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.

OR
- One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, AND two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to 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 aSocial Service Specialist 2.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Cultural humility – You’re comfortable working in diverse environments and value the client’s voice, background, and lived experience in all planning.
• Knowledge of Medicaid programs and medical terminology – You'll be navigating a range of long-term care programs and communicating with healthcare partners, so understanding these systems helps you advocate effectively.
• Communication – You communicate clearly and respectfully with clients, families, care providers, and team members—even in high-stress or sensitive situations.
• Assessment skills – You can complete comprehensive, person-centered evaluations and translate them into practical service plans.
• Time management – You’ll balance a varied caseload across multiple facilities, clients, and deadlines, often with shifting priorities.
• Organization and attention to detail – From documentation to benefit verifications and care planning, accuracy is essential to getting services in place smoothly.
• Collaboration – You work well with others—including nursing facility staff, vendors, and housing partners—to align resources around the client’s goals.
• Problem-solving – You can think critically and creatively to help remove barriers to discharge or community transition.

Interested?Apply today!The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that People find human services to shape their own livesrequires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions?Email [e-mail] or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference04190.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. 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.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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