DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 2

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington is seeking a Social Service Specialist 2 to support Medicaid applicants and help them stay independently at home. You will perform nursing facility screenings, assist with eligibility, and connect clients to programs like COPES and Medicaid Personal Care.

You will collaborate with tribal partners and Area Agencies on Aging to ensure timely access to services while backing up the Intake Team as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires strong communication, interviewing, and professional written correspondence.
• Experience with social casework theory and practice guiding client decisions.
• Able to manage high volume referrals based on urgency and timelines.
• Understand Medicaid laws for long-term care and apply evidence-based practices.

Responsibilities

• Complete Nursing Facility Level of Care screenings for Medicaid programs.
• Conduct intake interviews and risk assessments by phone or in person.
• Explain Medicaid programs such as Community First Choice, COPES, and Medicaid Personal Care.
• Refer clients to Area Agency on Aging partners.
• Assist clients with benefit applications and mail materials.
• Coordinate with community/tribal partners to connect services.
• Refer to Adult Protective Services or mental health services when needed.
• Prepare and submit documents to meet deadlines and standards.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and conferences.

Skills

Communication

Technology

Casework knowledge

Prioritization

Problem solving

Adaptability

Equity & cultural competence

Education

Master’s degree in social services or allied field + 1 year paid social service experience equivalent to Social Service Specialist 1

Bachelor’s degree in social services or allied field + 2 years paid social service experience equivalent to Social Service Specialist 1

5 years total education/experience substitute for degree requirement

Tools

CARE Web system

Job description

DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 2

DSHS's Home and Community Services (HCS) Division is hiring for Social Service Specialist 2s to serve on the Medicaid Transformation Project team. This role sits within the Home and Community Living Administration and supports Medicaid applicants across Washington who need help staying safe in their own homes.

You'll help people stay independent by completing Nursing Facility Level of Care screenings for the Medicaid Alternative Care and Tailored Support for Older Adults programs and determining if the clients are presumptively eligible for services.

Additionally, you'll also connect clients to programs like COPES, Community First Choice, and Medicaid Personal Care. You will explain these programs to assess interest and you'll team up with community partners, tribal agencies, and Area Agencies on Aging so clients get the right help without delay.

This position will back up the Intake Team as needed.

Please note:

These are project positions, although temporary they are benefit-eligible and are currently expected to be funded through June 30, 2028. These positions have been approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. There may be coverage needed at your local office, or trainings and that will be determined as the need arises.

Some of what you'll do:

• Complete Nursing Facility Level of Care screenings for the Medicaid Alternative Care and Tailored Support for Older Adults programs.
• Complete a financial pre-screen based on client self-attestation.
• Conduct intake interviews and risk assessments by phone or in person.
• Explain Medicaid programs such as Community First Choice, COPES, and Medicaid Personal Care.
• Hand off eligible clients to Area Agency on Aging partners.
• Help clients fill out benefit applications, including Non-Grant Medical Assistance.
• Mail application packets and information to clients and their representatives.
• Coordinate with community and tribal partners to connect clients with the right services.
• Refer clients to Adult Protective Services or mental health services when needed.
• Organize and submit documents to meet program deadlines and standards.
• Attend team meetings, trainings, and conferences.

Who should apply?

We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualification options:

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• 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 1.
• 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 1.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling 5 years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement.

**Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.

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

• Communication: Explains Medicaid programs clearly, interviews clients with or without an interpreter, and composes professional written correspondence.
• Technology: Uses a laptop, the CARE Web system, and Microsoft Office to complete assessments, scheduling, and documentation.
• Casework knowledge: Applies social casework theory and practice to guide client decisions.
• Prioritization: Sorts and manages a high volume of referrals based on urgency and office timelines.
• Problem-solving: Analyzes complex client situations, resolves conflicts between clients and providers, and links clients to agency and community resources.
• Adaptability: Adjusts to change, respects different opinions and values, and helps each client reach their highest level of independence.
• Program knowledge: Understands Medicaid laws and rules for long-term care and applies evidence-based practices, such as fall prevention and medication review, to support elders and high-risk adults.
• Equity and cultural competence: Treats every client with respect and adjusts communication to aid understanding.

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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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