DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Washington; On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) invites applications for two in‑training Social Service Specialist 3 positions in Spokane, WA. These in‑person, one‑year programs prepare Residential Social Service Specialist 3 staff for field work with seniors and people with disabilities.

In this role you will assess eligibility, develop care plans, advocate for clients, and coordinate with families and community resources while maintaining a flexible schedule that may

Qualifications

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2
• Master's or Bachelor's degree with one year of paid social service experience equivalent to Social Service Specialist 2
• Equivalent education/experience
• Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person, client-centered functional assessment interviews at the client’s residence
• Determine eligibility for Medicaid and other programs
• Develop individualized service plans with clients and their representatives
• Coordinate client needs with families, facilities, and community resources
• Provide case management to high-risk adults as per the service plan
• Authorize appropriate services and payments
• Document contacts and testify at hearings and legal proceedings
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Medicaid knowledge

Client advocacy

Effective communication

Home visits

Time management

Critical thinking

Education

Master's degree in social services

Bachelor's degree in social services

Job description

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for two dedicated Social Service Specialist to join our Spokane, WA in‑training team. This is a one‑year, in‑person, intensive training program for Residential Social Service Specialist 3. The in‑training will take place at Rock Point in Spokane, WA from 8am-5pm Monday‑Friday.

Description

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for two dedicated Social Service Specialist to join our Spokane, WA in‑training team. This is a one‑year, in‑person, intensive training program for Residential Social Service Specialist 3. The in‑training will take place at Rock Point in Spokane, WA from 8am-5pm Monday‑Friday.

This work supports the vision of the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) to have seniors and people with disabilities living with good health, independence, dignity, and control over the decisions that affect their lives.

This position is field‑based, and travel is a function of the job that occurs weekly. Depending on performance, a flex schedule may be considered after the first six months of training.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to meet with people with disabilities and the elderly, particularly those of low‑income, determine eligibility through a comprehensive assessment, and develop a plan of care and eligibility for clients in residential facilities. Your reward is in knowing that the tailored wraparound services that you provide are effective in the lives of others. These amazing career opportunities offer you the ability to grow with DSHS and join a dedicated team focused on protecting Washingtonians in Region 1.

Some Of What You'll Do

• Conduct in‑person, client‑centered functional assessment interviews utilizing a laptop and software, in the client’s residential facility
• Determine eligibility for the Community First Choice, Community Options Program Entry Systems, Medicaid Personal Care, or other applicable programs
• Develop appropriate ongoing, individualized service plans in collaboration with clients and representatives to meet the needs of the client
• As a client advocate, coordinate client needs with families, facilities, and community resources, as well as consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention
• Provide case management to high‑risk adults whose need is part of a service plan developed following an adult protective service investigation
• Authorize appropriate services and payments
• Document contacts and situations; on occasion, prepare and provide testimony at hearings and legal proceedings
• Other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology, policy implementation
• A high degree of mindfulness
• Effective and flexible communication with clients, representatives, and community partners
• Conduct work in the home environments of clients, with a diverse caseload
• Effective multi‑task using strong time management, organizational, and critical thinking skills to meet deadlines, maintain flexibility, and provide solutions
• Completion of comprehensive assessments and development of individualized service plans
• Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology, policy implementation

Who should apply?

We Are Looking For Professionals With

One year as 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 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.

NOTE: A two year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum 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 eighteen months of their appointment.

NOTE: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family‑centered practice services.

Equivalent education/experience.

Questions?

Please contact [e-mail] or call Talent Acquisition main line [phone] and reference job number 08400.

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.

Supplemental Information

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 (Nepo­sty) 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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