What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 2 position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
Social Service Specialist 2
DSHS's Home and Community Services (HCS) Division is hiring for Social Service Specialist 2s to serve as a Presumptive Eligibility (PE) case managers. This role sits within the Home and Community Living Administration and supports Medicaid applicants across Washington who need help staying safe in their own homes.
You'll help people stay independent by assessing if people qualify for Presumptive Eligibility. You'll also people start getting help fast while their full application moves forward. Your assessment can be the difference between a person staying home and moving into a nursing facility.
Additionally, you'll also connect clients to programs like COPES, Community First Choice, and Medicaid Personal Care. You will explain these programs to assess interest and you'll team up with community partners, tribal agencies, and Area Agencies on Aging so clients get the right help without delay.
Please note: These are project positions, although temporary they are benefit-eligible and are currently expected to be funded through June 30, 2028. These positions have been approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. There may be coverage needed at your local office, or trainings and that will be determined as the need arises.
Some Of What You'll Do
One year as a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
A master's degree** in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field AND one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling 5 years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For
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.
Questions? Please contact Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 05544.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Social Service Specialist 2
DSHS's Home and Community Services (HCS) Division is hiring for Social Service Specialist 2s to serve as a Presumptive Eligibility (PE) case managers. This role sits within the Home and Community Living Administration and supports Medicaid applicants across Washington who need help staying safe in their own homes.
You'll help people stay independent by assessing if people qualify for Presumptive Eligibility. You'll also people start getting help fast while their full application moves forward. Your assessment can be the difference between a person staying home and moving into a nursing facility.
Additionally, you'll also connect clients to programs like COPES, Community First Choice, and Medicaid Personal Care. You will explain these programs to assess interest and you'll team up with community partners, tribal agencies, and Area Agencies on Aging so clients get the right help without delay.
Please note: These are project positions, although temporary they are benefit-eligible and are currently expected to be funded through June 30, 2028. These positions have been approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. There may be coverage needed at your local office, or trainings and that will be determined as the need arises.
Some Of What You'll Do
- Conduct functional assessments over the phone using the CARE Web system to determine eligibility for Presumptive Eligibility (PE).
- Complete a financial pre-screen based on client self-attestation.
- Build individualized service plans with clients and their representatives.
- Authorize in-home services through qualified providers based on client choice.
- Act as the point of contact with Consumer Direct Washington for individual provider issues.
- Monitor referrals, solve problems that come up, and confirm services start on time.
- Conduct intake interviews and risk assessments by phone or in person.
- Explain Medicaid programs such as Community First Choice, COPES, and Medicaid Personal Care.
- Complete Nursing Facility Level of Care screenings for the Medicaid Alternative Care and Tailored Support for Older Adults programs.
- Hand off eligible clients to Area Agency on Aging partners.
- Help clients fill out benefit applications, including Non-Grant Medical Assistance.
- Mail application packets and information to clients and their representatives.
- Coordinate with community and tribal partners to connect clients with the right services.
- Refer clients to Adult Protective Services or mental health services when needed.
- Organize and submit documents to meet program deadlines and standards.
- Attend team meetings, trainings, and conferences.
One year as a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
A master's degree** in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field AND one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling 5 years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement.
- Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For
- Communication: Explains Medicaid programs clearly, interviews clients with or without an interpreter, and composes professional written correspondence.
- Technology: Uses a laptop, the CARE Web system, and Microsoft Office to complete assessments, scheduling, and documentation.
- Casework knowledge: Applies social casework theory and practice to guide client decisions.
- Prioritization: Sorts and manages a high volume of referrals based on urgency and office timelines.
- Problem-solving: Analyzes complex client situations, resolves conflicts between clients and providers, and links clients to agency and community resources.
- Adaptability: Adjusts to change, respects different opinions and values, and helps each client reach their highest level of independence.
- Program knowledge: Understands Medicaid laws and rules for long-term care and applies evidence-based practices, such as fall prevention and medication review, to support elders and high-risk adults.
- Equity and cultural competence: Treats every client with respect and adjusts communication to aid understanding.
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.
Questions? Please contact Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 05544.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.