Job Description

Posting number: 2026-05466

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: HCLA

Job classification: SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

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

DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS), Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 to support older adults and adults with disabilities who receive long-term care services in residential and community-based settings.

In this role, you will work with individuals who may be medically fragile, financially dependent, or at risk of institutional placement. You will complete comprehensive, in-person assessments, determine eligibility for long-term services and supports, and develop individualized service plans that reflect each person’s needs, goals, and stated preferences.

This position requires thoughtful listening, professional judgment, and the ability to balance client choice with program requirements. You will engage directly with adults and, when appropriate, their representatives to understand what matters most to them, support informed decision-making, and help align available services with individual preferences whenever possible.

Operating at the specialist level, this role requires independence, strong organizational skills, and consistent application of Medicaid policy. Your work supports safety, stability, and quality of life while helping individuals remain in settings that best meet their needs and personal circumstances.

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct comprehensive, initial assessments and reassessments using the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting and Evaluation (CARE) tool to determine functional need, level of care, and service eligibility.
• Engage directly with adults to understand their priorities, preferences, and goals, and incorporate this information into service planning within program guidelines.
• Develop individualized, client-centered service plans in partnership with clients and their representatives, supporting choice while ensuring program compliance.
• Determine eligibility and authorize services for Home and Community Services (HCS) programs such as Community First Choice (CFC), Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), the Residential Support Waiver (RSW), and other long-term care programs and residential placements.
• Authorize and monitor services and payments for approved long-term care supports.
• Provide ongoing case management to support clients in maintaining independence, resolving issues, and preventing unnecessary hospitalization or nursing facility placement.
• Assist clients with financial eligibility, benefit applications, and determining cost of care; authorize payment for approved long-term care services.
• Document assessments, case management activities, and service authorizations using CARE, ProviderOne, ACES, Barcode, and other department systems.
• Collaborate with team members, residential providers, community partners, and collateral contacts; participate in required training, meetings, and professional development activities.
  
  

Who should apply? We are looking for professionals with:

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2
  OR
• A master’s degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field, and one year of paid social service experience** equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2
  OR
• A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field, plus two years of paid social service experience** performing duties equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2
  OR
• An equivalent combination of education in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or a related field, AND paid social service work experience** totaling at least six years.

*A two-year master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
**Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for elderly and/or vulnerable adults and providing direct, client-centered practice services.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Person-centered engagement: Ability to listen attentively to adults, understand their preferences and priorities, and support informed choices within program requirements
• Assessment and evaluation: Conducting comprehensive functional assessments, gathering relevant information, and determining eligibility, level of care, and service needs
• Service planning and case management: Developing individualized service plans, coordinating long-term care services, and providing ongoing support to promote stability and independence
• Policy application: Interpreting and applying Medicaid regulations, long-term care policies, and social service principles to ensure accurate and consistent decisions
• Problem solving: Analyzing complex situations, resolving service-related issues, and implementing practical solutions while maintaining objectivity and confidentiality
• Technology use: Navigating CARE, ACES, ProviderOne, Barcode, and other systems to document work, manage caseloads, and support service delivery
• Collaboration: Working effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners while following departmental policies, procedures, and manuals
  
  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.
  
  Interested? Apply today!
  
  Questions? Email the recruiter at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.govand reference job number 05466
  
  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.

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