Demo

DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Renton, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/31/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/28/2026
Description

DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3 - Transition and Sustainability SME

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS), Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 to support adults with disabilities who are transitioning from institutional settings and/or in need of sustainability services.

This position performs advanced level specialized case management duties. This position is effective at offering and utilizing all services and supports available (i.e. Community Choice Guide, Client Training, Housing, NED Vouchers, Bridge Acute hospital, GOSH, etc.) to assist in relocations to community settings based on the client’s choice and preferences.

This position requires excellent organizational skills as they will often actively working with many different clients at different stages of transition and stabilization. You will engage directly with adults and, when appropriate, their representatives and various case managers to understand what matters most to them, support client centered informed decision-making, and help align available services with individual preferences whenever possible.

Note: 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.

Some Of What You'll Do

  • Maintain expert knowledge of Transition and Sustainability Services offered by HCLA/HCS.
  • Ensure program criteria is met for enrollment and spending limits are followed per policy.
  • Provide information on Transition and Sustainability Services in trainings, unit meetings, and individually.
  • Coordinate with regional SME’s and Supervisors to identify and address training needs for staff and providers. Participate in the development of training curriculum and informative tools regarding Transitional and Sustainability Services.
  • Consult and collaborate with case managers, supervisors, Program Managers, and Social and Health Program Consultants regarding client cases.
  • Input and modify ProviderOne payment authorizations for all Region 2 Centralized Providers.
  • Maintain expert knowledge of the ProviderOne payment system and how it interfaces with CARE and ACES.
  • Provide auxiliary case management services to clients meeting criteria set forth in the HCLA Long Term Care Manual and policies during and sometimes immediately after community transition.

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.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For

  • Person-centered engagement: Ability to listen attentively to adults and their representatives, understand their preferences and priorities, and support informed choices within program requirements
  • Assessment and evaluation: Using comprehensive functional assessments, gathering relevant information, and determining eligibility, level of care, and service need as it pertains to transition out of institutional medical settings.
  • Service planning and case management: Assist and advise in 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 saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 06056.

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Salary.com Estimation for DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3 in Renton, WA
$63,769 to $82,457
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3 career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$73,754 - $99,306
Income Estimation: 
$98,363 - $136,806
Income Estimation: 
$27,838 - $39,876
Income Estimation: 
$44,199 - $55,861
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Lakewood, WA
  • Description DSHS WSH Licensed Practical Nurse 2 Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse looking to make a meaningful impact? At Western State Hospital (WSH), yo... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Medical Lake, WA
  • Description DSHS Lakeland Village – Licensed Practical Nurse 2 (LPN2) Join the team at Lakeland Village Residential Habilitation Center in Medical Lake as ... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Medical Lake, WA
  • Description DSHS ESH – Mental Health Technician 2 Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is hiring dedicated Behavioral Health Nurse Aides, also known as Mental Heal... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Seattle, WA
  • Description DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for multiple dedicated Soci... more
  • 2 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3 jobs in the Renton, WA area that may be a better fit.

  • Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Seattle, WA
  • Description DSHS HCLA – Social Service Specialist 2-3 In-Training The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for multiple dedicated Soci... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health... Seattle, WA
  • Description DSHS ESA – Social Service Specialist 2 Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 2 with the Economic Services Administration’s (ESA), Commun... more
  • 11 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!