What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 5 position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
Social Service Supervisor (Social Service Specialist 5)
Are you an influential, thoughtful leader who cares deeply about helping people? DSHS's Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for a Residential Case Management, Social Service Specialist 5 to join our King County based team. As a Social Service Specialist 5, you’ll guide a team of skilled professionals who support adults with disabilities and older adults receiving long-term care.
You’ll be the person staff turn to for direction, problem-solving, and calm leadership when challenges arise. This role combines heart and strategy by balancing compassion for clients and families with the need to follow state and federal laws and guidance that keep services fair and consistent.
Your leadership will directly affect how well we serve thousands of people in King County who rely on Medicaid long-term care programs. You’ll ensure your team has the training, tools, and guidance they need to do their best work while meeting tight timelines and maintaining accuracy that protects both clients and public resources.
If you’re someone who thrives with teamwork, loves mentoring others, and believes that quality public service can change lives positively —this could be a perfect fit for you.
Please note: Travel may be required across the region, and in some cases statewide, as business needs allow.
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
A master’s degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field AND one year of paid social service experience** equivalent Social Service Specialist 3.
OR
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND five years of paid social service experience** performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
Nine years of professional/practical social service experience** performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4 .
OR
Two years as a Social Service Specialist 3 .
OR
Four years as a Social Service Specialist 2 .
Equivalent education/experience.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 07814.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Social Service Supervisor (Social Service Specialist 5)
Are you an influential, thoughtful leader who cares deeply about helping people? DSHS's Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for a Residential Case Management, Social Service Specialist 5 to join our King County based team. As a Social Service Specialist 5, you’ll guide a team of skilled professionals who support adults with disabilities and older adults receiving long-term care.
You’ll be the person staff turn to for direction, problem-solving, and calm leadership when challenges arise. This role combines heart and strategy by balancing compassion for clients and families with the need to follow state and federal laws and guidance that keep services fair and consistent.
Your leadership will directly affect how well we serve thousands of people in King County who rely on Medicaid long-term care programs. You’ll ensure your team has the training, tools, and guidance they need to do their best work while meeting tight timelines and maintaining accuracy that protects both clients and public resources.
If you’re someone who thrives with teamwork, loves mentoring others, and believes that quality public service can change lives positively —this could be a perfect fit for you.
Please note: Travel may be required across the region, and in some cases statewide, as business needs allow.
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
- Supervise a unit of Social Service Specialists, who assess client needs and set up long-term care services. This includes recruiting, hiring, training, mentoring, coaching, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
- Guide staff on how to balance compassion with compliance, providing advice on complex cases and crises.
- Support your team through case staffing meetings, quality checks, and one-on-one mentoring.
- Build strong partnerships with families, providers, and community organizations to support our mission and clients.
- Manage workloads fairly across the team and step in when needed to carry or reassign cases.
- Review reports and data to find trends, fix errors, and track performance goals.
- Represent the department in meetings and hearings, providing clear explanations of our decisions and processes.
- Ensure your unit delivers safe, fair, and timely services to vulnerable adults in King County.
A master’s degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field AND one year of paid social service experience** equivalent Social Service Specialist 3.
OR
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, AND five years of paid social service experience** performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
Nine years of professional/practical social service experience** performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4 .
OR
Two years as a Social Service Specialist 3 .
OR
Four years as a Social Service Specialist 2 .
- NOTE: A two year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
- NOTE: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to adult/children and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Equivalent education/experience.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For
- Leadership: You can inspire, train, and support staff to do their best work, even when under pressure.
- Policy understanding: You can explain and apply Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and ALTSA policy clearly and correctly.
- Decision-making: You use good judgment when balancing client needs with program rules.
- Communication: You write and speak clearly when working with staff, clients, and community partners.
- Organization: You manage competing priorities and keep work flowing smoothly for your team.
- Conflict resolution: You can ease tense situations and find practical solutions that help everyone move forward.
- Collaboration: You build trusting relationships with other agencies and community partners.
- Problem-solving: You can review complex cases, find the key issues, and decide what action is best. You can think fast and guide staff during emergencies or difficult client situations.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 07814.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security