DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 2 or 3

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring a dedicated In‑home or Residential Social Service Specialist 2 or 3 to join our Spokane or Colfax, WA, in‑training team. This is a one‑year, in‑person, intensive training program.

This position supports HCLA's vision of seniors and people with disabilities living with good health, independence, dignity, and control over their lives. It is field‑based with weekly travel. Depending on performance, a flexible schedule may be considered after the first six months of training.

• Conduct in‑person, client‑centered functional assessment interviews using a laptop and software in clients’ homes or residential facilities.
• Determine eligibility for programs such as 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 each client.
• Act as a client advocate, coordinating client needs with families, facilities, and community resources; provide consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention.
• Provide case management to high‑risk adults whose needs are part of a service plan developed following an adult protective service investigation.
• Authorize appropriate services and payments.
• Document contacts and situations; occasionally prepare and provide testimony at hearings and legal proceedings.

• 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 plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• Or a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields plus two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
• Or six to seven years of professional/practical experience working directly in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or criminal law/justice with an emphasis in specialized case management involving disabled or vulnerable adults.

Note: A two‑year Master’s degree that included a practicum will substitute for one year of paid social service experience.

• Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology and policy implementation.
• High degree of mindfulness.
• Effective and flexible communication with clients, representatives, and community partners.
• Ability to work in clients’ home environments with a diverse caseload.
• Strong time‑management, organizational, and critical‑thinking skills to meet deadlines and provide solutions.
• Completion of comprehensive assessments and development of individualized service plans.

• Update résumé.
• Three professional references with contact information.

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton ilton.gov and reference job number #01238. For more information about DSHS, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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 or 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.

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