DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

DSHS HCLA HCS

Social Service Specialist 3 Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)! In this key role within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services (HCS), the incumbent will be assisting Medicaid applicants and recipients who are requesting Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) by educating them about LTSS and 1115 Waiver Services that include Medicaid Alternative CARE (MAC), Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA), and Presumptive Eligibility (PE). The population served by HCS are high-risk, frail, vulnerable people aged 18 years and older who are medically and financially dependent on services from HCS. As a part of HCS Statewide intake unit, the incumbent ensures referent interviews are completed with clients or collateral contacts by phone or in-person to evaluate the client's care needs and makes a referral to the appropriate HCS Social Services Specialist III assessors, LTSS PE Assessors, or Community Nurse Consultant. During the process, the incumbent will need to explain department policies to applicants/clients, families, individuals, and members of the community. This is a project position and is currently funded until June 30, 2028. The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM during the probationary period. After that, a flex schedule can be requested and will be approved depending on business needs. Please note that this is for internal employees only. Some of what you'll do: Provides Triage and Subject Matter expertise assistance to intake staff. Conducts intake interviews and initial risk assessment with clients or collateral contacts by phone or in-person to evaluate client care needs and make a referral to the appropriate Home and Community services program and/or other appropriate services. Explain all HCS programs to include classic Medicaid programs, Community First Choice, COPES, and Medicaid Personal Care as well as the various settings. Assess applicants for eligibility factors, both functional and financial and explain to clients, referents, and community members' eligibility criteria for Home and Community Services that are provided in an in-home, residential or nursing facility setting. Provide consultation to community agency personnel and community groups as well as serve as a subject matter expert for the MAC/TSOA and LTSS PE programs. Provide ongoing monitoring/management of the region wide

MAC/TSOA

Caseload. Develop appropriate individualized service plans in conjunction with the client and/or representative to meet the needs of the client. Provide information and referral services to the public and other community professionals. Coordinate and provide financial support services including assisting clients to fill out forms and application for HCS benefits, Non-Grant Medical Assistance (NGMA). 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? We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualifications: One year as a Social Service Specialist 2. OR 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. OR 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.

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 training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment. 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. Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along with your application, please include: An updated resume Three professional references with contact information Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at alex.baclaan@dshs.w a.gov and reference job number #03861. 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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security