DSHS HCLA Assessment Specialist

DSHS HCLA - WA Cares Fund Assessment & Community Support Specialist (Social Service Specialist
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Are you passionate about empowering individuals to live independently and thrive in their communities? Join our mission-driven team and make a meaningful impact through the WA Cares Fund program.

Come join the WA Cares Fund within the Home Community Living Administration (HCLA) team to help develop the first-in-the-nation social insurance program and be part of the latest example of why Washington State is a national leader in long-term care policy insurance coverage for all working Washingtonians. WA CARE is responsible for designing and implementing the program and helping Washingtonians understand this new benefit.

As a WA Cares Fund Assessor Specialist, you’ll meet people both in-person and remote long-term care functional assessments under the WA Cares Fund program. Whether it’s in their home, a hospital room, a nursing facility, or a residential care setting, you’ll conduct thoughtful, compassionate assessments to help determine their eligibility for self-directed long-term care services. You’ll craft personalized care plans that reflect everyone’s unique needs and goals, helping them stay in or return to their community with the support they need to thrive.

Note: Our current openings offer workstations in Everett, Kent, Bellevue, Bellingham, or Mount Vernon.

• We are continuously accepting applications for this position until all openings are filled.
• Initial application review is scheduled for December 29.
• Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

• Conduct and complete in-person and remote functional assessments at the homes of Qualified Individuals.
• Interpret detailed assessments and personal information to approve or deny WA Cares Fund services.
• Develop and implement personalized service plans that guide long-term care support.
• Educate individuals and families about long-term care options, rates, and program benefits.
• Advise on provider enrollment, search and rate setting best practices.
• Instruct professionals and the public about available services and program limitations.
• Prepare and counsel families on qualified caregiver requirements and payment options.
• Refer individuals to alternative community resources when WA Cares Fund is not pursued.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into WA Cares Fund systems.
• Explain department policies and legal provisions to families and community members.
• Assess daily living assistance needs to determine long-term care eligibility.
• Help individuals remain in or return to their communities, instead of entering nursing homes or other institutional care settings.
• Make referrals to Adult Protective Services and investigations when necessary.
• Provide legal resources, brochures, and informational materials as appropriate.
• Maintain organized documentation and respond to administrative requests.
• Adapt and re-prioritize tasks in response to emergencies or coverage needs.

Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1 plus completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.

Or

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.

Or

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.

Or

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.

Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within one year of their appointment.

Along with your application, please include:

• An…