What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3 position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 3 (Nursing Facility Case Manager)
We are hiring a Nursing Facility Case Manager to join our team in Union Gap, WA. In this specialized role, you will help nursing facility residents safely transition to a home or community-based setting of their choice, such as independent living, assisted living, or an adult family home. Residents are often high-risk, vulnerable adults who need support accessing long-term services and supports. You will provide advanced case management, coordinate with community partners, and use all available resources to overcome barriers while promoting client choice, independence, and safety. Your work will directly improve lives by helping clients move from institutional care to the community. This position is part of the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division, under the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) within DSHS.
Some of what you'll do:
- Meet with clients in person to understand their needs and determine what services they qualify for.
- Help clients safely return to their home or community from a nursing facility.
- Explain long-term care options and help clients choose the right care for them.
- Work with clients, families, and nursing facility staff to create a plan that supports the client’s goals and independence.
- Coordinate services with care providers and community partners to make sure clients get the support they need.
- Assist clients with applying for benefits, managing payments, and understanding eligibility for programs.
- Keep accurate records, complete paperwork, and make sure all steps follow program rules. Attend meetings and trainings, and report any concerns about the safety of vulnerable children or adults.
- Apply social casework principles and evidence-based practices to support high-risk adults and elders, including fall prevention, medication review, and functional assessments.
- Understand and apply Medicaid laws, regulations, and long-term care policies.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, families, coworkers, community partners, and service providers, including presenting cases and resolving conflicts.
- Build trusting relationships while advocating for client choice, independence, and dignity.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness, inclusivity, and adaptability when working with diverse clients and teams.
- Manage caseloads effectively, prioritize referrals, respond promptly, and develop practical solutions to client and program challenges. Use technology and online systems for assessments, documentation, scheduling, and research, maintaining accurate and organized records.
We are looking for professionals with:
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One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
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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 and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or a related field totaling six years.
Additional Notes:
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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.
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Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within 18 months of appointment.
Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for children and/or adults and providing direct, family-centered practice services.
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.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:
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An updated resume
Three professional references with contact information
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07910.
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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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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