DSHS HCLA Nursing Facility Case Manager - Social Service Specialist 3

About the role

The Washington State's Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring a Nursing Facility Case Manager in Spokane, WA. This role involves conducting assessments, identifying individuals eligible for community-based care, and creating service plans that promote safety, stability, and independence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth assessments in nursing facilities, homes, and residential settings to determine care needs and service eligibility.
• Identify individuals who are eligible for relocation from nursing facilities and support safe, well-planned transitions to community settings.
• 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.
• Cookorate services with care providers and community partners to make sure clients get the support they need.
• Aid clients with applications and paperwork related to long-term care services and benefits.
• Coordinate with families, medical providers, contractors, and community partners to support continuity of care.
• Aid individuals with applications and paperwork related to long-term care services and benefits.
• Verify financial and program eligibility and calculate participation amounts when required.
• Manage and prioritize a caseload in line with workload expectations and timelines.
• Complete accurate documentation and maintain organized, up-to-date case records.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and case discussions to support quality practice and continuous learning.

Requirements

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• An ORA 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.
• An ORA 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
• An ORA 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.
• An ORA 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.
• 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.

Skills

• Assessment and casework practice: Ability to apply social casework principles and evidence-based practices when assessing high-risk adults and elders, including functional assessments, fall prevention strategies, and medication considerations.
• Policy application: Knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations, and long-term care policies, with the ability to apply them accurately when determining eligibility and authorizing services.
• Relationship-building and advocacy: Capacity to build trust while supporting dignity, independence, and informed decision-making for the people served.
• Service planning and coordination: Experience developing individualized service plans that support safety, independence, and client choice, while coordinating with families, providers, and community partners.
• Clear and professional communication: Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, families, coworkers, and service providers, including presenting cases, explaining decisions, and resolving concerns.
• Use of technology: Comfort using computerized systems for assessments, documentation, scheduling, and research, while maintaining accurate and well-organized records.
• Workload management and problem-solving: Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize referrals, meet timelines, and develop practical solutions to complex client and program challenges.
• Professional judgment: Sound decision-making that balances individual needs, safety, accountability, and program expectations.

Benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including medical, dental, and basic life insurance, a medical flexible spending account, basic life and long-term disability insurance, dependent care assistance, auto, boat, home, and renter insurance, and the Washington Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems, and there are options for retirement and deferred compensation. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is also available for those employed by a government or not-for-profit organization.