DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3 in Tumwater, WA conducts comprehensive in-home assessments to determine Medicaid long-term care eligibility and crafts individualized service plans with clients and representatives. The role emphasizes collaboration with residential partners, managing a large caseload, and preventing unnecessary hospitalizations to support safe, healthy living.

Responsibilities include CARE-based assessments, eligibility determinations, and ongoing case management while

Qualifications

• Experience performing in-home assessments and building service plans.
• Knowledge of Medicaid long-term care programs and eligibility.
• Strong communication with clients, families, and partners; able to coordinate with interpreters.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inpatient hospital functional assessments using CARE to determine level of care and eligibility.
• Develop individualized, client-centered service plans with clients and representatives.
• Determine eligibility and authorize services for MPC, CFC, COPES, RSW, and other programs.
• Provide ongoing case management to support independence and prevent unnecessary placements.
• Assist with financial eligibility, benefit applications, and cost of care; authorize payments.
• Document assessments and authorizations using CARE, ProviderOne, ACES, Barcode, and related systems.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners; participate in trainings and meetings.

Skills

Oral and written communication

In-home assessments

Client-centered planning

Medicaid policy knowledge

Education

Master’s in social services or related field

Bachelor’s in social services or related field

Tools

CARE tool

ACES

ProviderOne

Barcode

Outlook

Job description

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Tumwater, WA! In this key role within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services (HCS), you will work with high-risk, frail, and vulnerable adults residing in residential settings such as Adult Family Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. You will conduct comprehensive, in-home assessments using a laptop-based system to determine functional eligibility for Medicaid long-term care services and develop individualized, client-centered service plans in partnership with clients and their representatives.

Description

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3

Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Tumwater, WA! In this key role within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services (HCS), you will work with high-risk, frail, and vulnerable adults residing in residential settings such as Adult Family Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. You will conduct comprehensive, in-home assessments using a laptop-based system to determine functional eligibility for Medicaid long-term care services and develop individualized, client-centered service plans in partnership with clients and their representatives. This position plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for individuals in need, collaborating with community residential partners, resolving issues, and stabilizing placements to help clients live safe, healthy, and secure lives. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a large residential caseload are essential to preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and supporting client independence.

Some Of What You'll Do

• 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 such as 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.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Effectively communicate orally and in writing with clients, families, peers, management, and external partners; conduct client 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, client-centered care plans, link clients to agency and community resources, and provide ongoing case management to support independence and well-being.
• Apply social casework principles and knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations, and long-term care program policies to make informed client service decisions.
• Navigate and utilize agency computer systems, including ACES, ProviderOne, Outlook/email, Barcode Document Management System, and basic office software for documentation and communication.
• 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; follow departmental policies, manuals, and procedures to support the mission and goals of the department.

Who should apply?

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• A Master’s 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 in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling six or more years

Additional information:

• A two-year Master’s degree in the above fields that included a practicum can substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
• Employees must successfully complete the formal division-sponsored training course within 18 months of appointment.
• Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

About HCLA and HCS

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) oversees Washington state’s nationally recognized system of long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities. This includes home and community-based care, protections against abuse and neglect, regulatory oversight of licensed settings, and case management services. Within HCLA, the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division plans, develops, and provides long-term care services, including Medicaid-funded programs, to help individuals live as independently as possible in their communities.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at [e-mail] and reference job number #09126.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) 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.

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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