DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

About the role

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS), Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), is seeking a Social Service Specialist 3 to support adults with disabilities who are transitioning from institutional settings and/or in need of sustainability services. This position performs advanced level specialized case management duties.

This position requires excellent organizational skills as they will often actively work with many different clients at different stages of transition and stabilization. You will engage directly with adults and, when appropriate, their representatives and various case managers to understand what matters most to them, support client-centered informed decision-making, and help align available services with individual preferences whenever possible.

Responsibilities

• Maintain expert knowledge of Transition and Sustainability Services offered by HCLA/HCS.
• Ensure program criteria is met for enrollment and spending limits are followed per policy.
• Provide information on Transition and Sustainability Services in trainings, unit meetings, and individually.
• Coordinate with regional SME’s and Supervisors to identify and address training needs for staff and providers.
• Participate in the development of training curriculum and informative tools regarding Transitional and Sustainability Services.
• Consult and collaborate with case managers, supervisors, Program Managers, and Social and Health Program Consultants regarding client cases.
• Input and modify ProviderOne payment authorizations for all Region 2 Centralized Providers.
• Maintain expert knowledge of the ProviderOne payment system and how it interfaces with CARE and ACES.
• Provide auxiliary case management services to clients meeting criteria set forth in the HCLA Long Term Care Manual and policies during and sometimes immediately after community transition.

Qualifications

We are looking for professionals with:

• 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.

Skills

We are looking for candidates with the following skills:

• Person-centered engagement: Ability to listen attentively to adults and their representatives, understand their preferences and priorities, and support informed choices within program requirements.
• Assessment and evaluation: Using comprehensive functional assessments, gathering relevant information, and determining eligibility, level of care, and service need as it pertains to transition out of institutional medical settings.
• Service planning and case management: Assist and advise in developing individualized service plans, coordinating long-term care services, and providing ongoing support to promote stability and independence.
• Policy application: Interpreting and applying Medicaid regulations, long-term care policies, and social service principles to ensure accurate and consistent decisions.
• Problem solving: Analyzing complex situations, resolving service-related issues, and implementing practical solutions while maintaining objectivity and confidentiality.
• Technology use: Navigating CARE, ACES, ProviderOne, Barcode, and other systems to document work, manage caseloads, and support service delivery.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners while following departmental policies, procedures, and manuals.

Benefits

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.