DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring multiple dedicated Social Service Specialists to join our teams in Region 2, specifically in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Arlington, and Everett, WA. This specialized role supports individuals with complex medical and/or behavioral health concerns in need of in-home or residential supports and services.

About the role

You’ll conduct in-person assessments, develop individualized care plans, and coordinate long-term services that help clients maintain independence, safety, and well-being in the setting of their choice. This position also works closely with community partners to ensure clients have access to the full range of supports needed for long-term success.

In-Training Plan

The In-Training Plan begins with the selected candidate hired as a Social Service Specialist 2, focusing on foundational training in organizational policies, statutes, and case management practices. During this phase, the employee receives closely supervised, limited, and pre-screened case assignments, along with ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback. After approximately 12 months and successful completion of the training plan, evaluated through documented performance reviews, the candidate may be promoted to Social Service Specialist 3 and begin a six-month trial service period in the new role.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth assessments and reassessments of clients in various settings, including private homes, adult family homes, hospitals, or other facilities, using a state-provided computerized system.
• Work directly with individuals who may exhibit complex or challenging behaviors.
• Develop individualized care plans that support clients in remaining in or safely transitioning back to the community from institutional settings such as hospitals or nursing facilities.
• Provide case management services including implementing service plans, monitoring progress, offering advocacy, resolving crises, and coordinating with family members and care providers.
• Evaluate client needs and circumstances to determine eligibility for long-term services and supports, including initiating, adjusting, or ending services based on state guidelines.
• Work closely with hospital staff, residential care providers, behavioral health teams, and other community partners to ensure safe discharges and continued support in the community.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date electronic case records, prioritize workload effectively, and respond to urgent situations and administrative requests as needed.
• Take part in team meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts to stay connected with agency goals, service requirements, and available community resources.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to work effectively with clients, peers, management, the public, and interpreters.
• Knowledge and application of social casework theory, principles, and practices to support client care and promote independence.
• Ability to assess client needs, triage care, and resolve complaints while maintaining professionalism, objectivity, and cultural sensitivity.
• Skilled in identifying social dynamics that influence client choices and using that insight to support sound decision-making.
• Proficient in writing professional, grammatically correct correspondence and case documentation.
• Capable of working independently, managing time effectively, meeting deadlines, and following proper communication channels.
• Adaptable to change, open to diverse perspectives, and committed to problem-solving and developing practical solutions to program challenges.

Qualifications

We are looking for professionals with one of the following:

• 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 six or more years.

Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience. Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.

Schedule

8 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. This position offers a hybrid work schedule (remote and in-office) based on business needs.

Additional 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.
• 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.