DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 2

About the role

The Home and Community Services (HCS) Division of DSHS is hiring Social Service Specialist 2s to serve as Presumptive Eligibility (PE) case managers. This role supports Medicaid applicants in Washington who need help staying safe in their homes.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Connect clients to programs like COPES, Community First Choice, and Medicaid Personal Care.
• 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.

Requirements

• One year as a Social Service Specialist 1.
• 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.
• 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.
• An 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.

Qualifications

• Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Skills

• 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.

Benefits

Employees are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation (annual leave) based on their hours worked and pay status. Part-time employees accrue vacation (annual leave) based on their hours worked and pay status. Vacation accruals are prorated for part-time employees. Vacation accruals are not affected by holidays or sick leave. Vacation accruals are not affected by holidays or sick leave. 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