DSHS HCLA Assessment Specialist

WA Cares Fund Assessment & Community Support Specialist (Social Service Specialist
2)

Location:

Our current openings offer workstations in Colfax, Ellensburg, Spokane, Union Gap, Clarkston, Kennewick, Walla Walla, Colville, Moses Lake, or Wenatchee.

Make a meaningful impact in long‑term care policy by embracing this thrilling opportunity. The WA Cares Fund is the first of its kind in the United States, showcasing why Washington State leads the nation in long‑term care initiatives. Created by the WA State Legislature, the WA Cares Fund (WCF) offers affordable long‑term care insurance coverage to all working Washingtonians. This is a rare opportunity to become one of the founding team members as we introduce the nation’s first long‑term services and supports social insurance program.

DSHS’s Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) WCF is hiring key team members now to assist as we move toward the full implementation of the program. The innovative work that you do now will aid qualified people and their authorized representatives to apply for and access their earned benefits that help pay for daily‑living activities. Your experience, knowledge, and skills make a difference.

• Conduct in‑person and remote functional assessments to determine long‑term care needs and WA Cares Fund eligibility.
• Interpret assessment findings and personal information to approve or deny WA Cares Fund services.
• Develop and implement individualized service plans that guide long‑term care supports.
• Educate individuals, families, professionals, and the public about long‑term care options, program benefits, rates, and limitations.
• Provide guidance on provider enrollment, service search processes, and rate‑setting best practices.
• Counsel families on qualified caregiver requirements, payment options, and available legal or informational resources.
• Refer individuals to community resources or alternative programs when WA Cares Fund is not pursued.
• Ensure accurate, timely documentation and data entry while responding to administrative requests.
• Make referrals to Adult Protective Services or investigative bodies when safety concerns arise.
• Adapt priorities and workflows to address emergencies, coverage needs, and support individuals in remaining safely in their communities.

• Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1 and completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program within 12 months.
• A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
• Six years of professional/practical experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
• Note:
  
  A two‑year master’s degree in one of the above fields that includes a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full‑time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full‑time work (e.g. part‑time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full‑time.

Note:

If the position offers benefits which differ…