DSHS HCLA Nursing Facility Case Manager - Social Service Specialist 3

About the role

The Washington State's Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is seeking a Nursing Facility Case Manager to support older adults and adults with disabilities in transitioning from nursing facilities to community-based care. This role involves conducting assessments, creating service plans, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure clients receive appropriate and timely support.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth assessments in nursing facilities, homes, and residential settings to determine care needs and service eligibility.
• Identify individuals eligible for relocation from nursing facilities and support safe, well-planned transitions to community settings.
• Work with clients, families, and nursing facility staff to develop service plans that promote safety, stability, and independence.
• Cookordinate services with care providers and community partners to ensure 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.
• Assist 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.

Skills

• Sound judgment
• Strong communication skills
• A steady, compassionate approach

Benefits

Details about benefits are not specified in this job posting.

Pay

Details about pay are not specified in this job posting.

Schedule

Details about schedule are not specified in this job posting.

Qualifications

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.