Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07698

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: HCLA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Human Services, Community and Social Services

Summary

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

Location: Lakewood, WA (Region 3)

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.

As a WA Cares Fund Assessor Specialist, you’ll meet people both in-person and remote to conduct 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: We are currently looking to fill both permanent and project positions.

Some of what you will be doing:

• 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.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Conduct telephonic assessments using department tools and technology while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Apply knowledge of social casework principles, Medicaid laws, and long-term care policies to assess needs and develop service plans.
• Build effective relationships with clients and families, linking them to community resources and resolving issues with providers.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in triaging referrals, analyzing problems, and developing effective solutions.
• Adapt to change with flexibility and respect for diverse values, cultures, and perspectives.
• Use evidence-based practices, critical thinking, and technology tools such as Microsoft Office to support client independence and maintain timely documentation.

Who should apply?

We are searching for professionals with:

• Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1 plus completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program within 12 months.

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.

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 Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07698.

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 (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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) 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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