DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

Washington State Health Care Authority; Renton (WA); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

5% premium pay (King County)

Free ORCA card

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) HCLA is hiring Social Service Specialists 2-3 In-Training in Renton, WA. You will conduct assessments, develop care plans, and coordinate long-term services to help clients remain independent and safe in their preferred setting.

The In-Training Plan starts at Social Service Specialist 2 with supervised case work, leading to promotion after ~12 months and a six-month trial in the new role. Hybrid schedule offered based on needs.

Qualifications

• Experience with social casework theory and practice.
• Ability to assess client needs, triage care, and maintain professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
• Proficient written and verbal communication with accurate case documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth assessments and reassessments in multiple settings.
• Develop individualized care plans to support independence and community transition.
• Provide case management, advocacy, and coordination with families and providers.
• Evaluate client needs and determine eligibility for long-term services per state guidelines.
• Collaborate with hospital staff, behavioral health teams, and community partners to ensure safe discharges.
• Maintain organized electronic case records and respond to urgent administrative requests.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Social casework

Needs assessment

Cultural sensitivity

Written communication

Time management

Adaptability

Education

Master's degree in social services or allied field

Bachelor's degree in social services or allied field

Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience

Tools

State-provided computerized system

Job description

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring dedicated Social Service Specialists to join our team in Renton, WA. This specialized role supports individuals with complex medical and/or behavioral health concerns in need of in-home or residential supports and services. You'll conduct in-person assessments, develop individualized care plans, and coordinate long-term services that help clients maintain independence, safety, and well-being in the setting of their choice. This position also works closely with community partners to ensure clients have access to the full range of supports needed for long-term success.

In-Training Plan

The In-Training Plan begins with the selected candidate hired as a Social Service Specialist 2, focusing on foundational training in organizational policies, statutes, and case management practices. During this phase, the employee receives closely supervised, limited, and pre-screened case assignments, along with ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback. After approximately 12 months and successful completion of the training plan, evaluated through documented performance reviews, the candidate may be promoted to Social Service Specialist 3 and begin a six-month trial service period in the new role.

Some of you’ll do

• Conduct in-depth assessments and reassessments of clients in various settings, including private homes, adult family homes, hospitals, or other facilities, using a state-provided computerized system.
• Work directly with individuals who may exhibit complex or challenging behaviors.
• Develop individualized care plans that support clients in remaining in or safely transitioning back to the community from institutional settings such as hospitals or nursing facilities.
• Provide case management services including implementing service plans, monitoring progress, offering advocacy, resolving crises, and coordinating with family members and care providers.
• Evaluate client needs and circumstances to determine eligibility for long-term services and supports, including initiating, adjusting, or ending services based on state guidelines.
• Work closely with hospital staff, residential care providers, behavioral health teams, and other community partners to ensure safe discharges and continued support in the community.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date electronic case records, prioritize workload effectively, and respond to urgent situations and administrative requests as needed.
• Take part in team meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts to stay connected with agency goals, service requirements, and available community resources.

What we’re looking for

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to work effectively with clients, peers, management, the public, and interpreters.
• Knowledge and application of social casework theory, principles, and practices to support client care and promote independence.
• Ability to assess client needs, triage care, and resolve complaints while maintaining professionalism, objectivity, and cultural sensitivity.
• Skilled in identifying social dynamics that influence client choices and using that insight to support sound decision-making.
• Proficient in writing professional, grammatically correct correspondence and case documentation.
• Capable of working independently, managing time effectively, meeting deadlines, and following proper communication channels.
• Adaptable to change, open to diverse perspectives, and committed to problem-solving and developing practical solutions to program challenges.

Who should apply

We are looking for professionals with:

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 1. 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 a Social Service Specialist 1. 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 1. OR
• An equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling six or more years.

NOTE: 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 information

• Work schedule: 8 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• This position offers a hybrid work schedule (remote and in-office) based on business needs.
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (NEPOTISM) 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.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires 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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.

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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