DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

About the role

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring a Social Service Specialist 3 in Kirkland, WA, serving vulnerable adults aged 18 and older. The position provides protective services per RCW 74.34, coordinates with community partners (law enforcement, Attorney General’s Office, prosecutors, physicians, providers, other DSHS divisions), investigates reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self‑neglect, offers legal remedies, assists clients in accessing services, networks and educates the community about abuse and protective services.

Responsibilities

• Collects and evaluates relevant information such as medical and financial documents, functional assessments, psychological evaluations, legal and court documents, and other pertinent documents to inform investigations, protective services, and outcomes.
• Provides client advocacy, consultation, networking, family support, and crisis interventions.
• Coordinates with staff, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding client needs.
• Offers protective services to vulnerable adults, including referrals for Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders, protective payees, mental health services, long‑term care services, transportation, legal assistance, medical attention, and other helpful services.
• Identifies situations presenting risk to vulnerable children and/or adults and refers to Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and/or Complaint Resolution Unit.
• Records and documents case activity clearly, succinctly, and within established timeframes in the automated computer system.
• Organizes caseload priorities according to office policy, mandatory response times, and workload expectations; triages and prioritizes caseload to meet timeframes; reprioritizes assignments as necessary for emergencies.
• Implements and applies policy and procedures as outlined in the ALTSA Long‑Term Care manual, WAC, RCW, and Management Bulletins.
• Prepares and presents recommended substantiated findings at case review meetings.
• Prepares and provides testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings; communicates with Legal Benefits Advisor and/or Attorney General’s office.

Requirements

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2; OR
• A Master's degree in social services,