• Job Description

  Req#: 5336105
  Salary: $5,666.00 - $7,622.00 Monthly
  Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
  Job Type: Agency Internal - Project
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-03861
  Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
  Division: HCLA
  Opening Date: 05/08/2026
  Closing Date: 5/17/2026 3:00 PM Pacific
  Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
  
  Description
  
  DSHS HCLA HCS Social Service Specialist 3
  Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)! In this key role within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services (HCS), the incumbent will be assisting Medicaid applicants and recipients who are requesting Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) by educating them about LTSS and 1115 Waiver Services that include Medicaid Alternative CARE (MAC), Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA), and Presumptive Eligibility (PE).
  
  The population served by HCS are high-risk, frail, vulnerable people aged 18 years and older who are medically and financially dependent on services from HCS. As a part of HCS Statewide intake unit, the incumbent ensures referent interviews are completed with clients or collateral contacts by phone or in-person to evaluate the client's care needs and makes a referral to the appropriate HCS Social Services Specialist III assessors, LTSS PE Assessors, or Community Nurse Consultant. During the process, the incumbent will need to explain department policies to applicants/clients, families, individuals, and members of the community.
  This is a project position and is currently funded until June 30, 2028.
  
  The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM during the probationary period. After that, a flex schedule can be requested and will be approved depending on business needs.
  
  Please note that this is for internal employees only.
  
  Some of what you'll do:
  • Provides Triage and Subject Matter expertise assistance to intake staff.
  • Conducts intake interviews and initial risk assessment with clients or collateral contacts by phone or in-person to evaluate client care needs and make a referral to the appropriate Home and Community services program and/or other appropriate services.
  • Explain all HCS programs to include classic Medicaid programs, Community First Choice, COPES, and Medicaid Personal Care as well as the various settings.
  • Assess applicants for eligibility factors, both functional and financial and explain to clients, referents, and community members' eligibility criteria for Home and Community Services that are provided in an in-home, residential or nursing facility setting.
  • Provide consultation to community agency personnel and community groups as well as serve as a subject matter expert for the MAC/TSOA and LTSS PE programs.
  • Provide ongoing monitoring/management of the region wide MAC/TSOA Caseload.
  • Develop appropriate individualized service plans in conjunction with the client and/or representative to meet the needs of the client.
  • Provide information and referral services to the public and other community professionals.
  • Coordinate and provide financial support services including assisting clients to fill out forms and application for HCS benefits, Non-Grant Medical Assistance (NGMA).
  Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing with clients, families, peers, management, and external partners; conduct client interviews, including with interpreters, and compose professional correspondence.
  • Conduct in-home assessments using the CARE tool and other agency systems to evaluate client needs and determine eligibility for long-term care programs.
  • Develop individualized, client-centered care plans, link clients to agency and community resources, and provide ongoing case management to support independence and well-being.
  • Apply social casework principles and knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations, and long-term care program policies to make informed client service decisions.
  • Navigate and utilize agency computer systems, including ACES, ProviderOne, Outlook/email, Barcode Document Management System, and basic office software for documentation and communication.
  • Analyze client, program, and service issues, resolve conflicts, and implement practical solutions while maintaining professionalism, objectivity, and confidentiality.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, external agencies, and community partners; follow departmental policies, manuals, and procedures to support the mission and goals of the department.
  Who should apply?
  We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:
  • One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
    OR
  • A Master's in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
    OR
  • A Bachelor's in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field plus two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
  Additional information:
  • A two-year Master's degree in the above fields that included a practicum can substitute 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.
  About HCLA and HCSThe (HCLA) oversees Washington state's nationally recognized system of long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities. This includes home and community-based care, protections against abuse and neglect, regulatory oversight of licensed settings, and case management services. Within HCLA, the (HCS) Division plans, develops, and provides long-term care services, including Medicaid-funded programs, to help individuals live as independently as possible in their communities.
  
  Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
  Along with your application, please include:
  • An updated resume
  • Three professional references with contact information
  Questions?Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at and reference job number #03861.
  The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
  Supplemental 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. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. 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.
  Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. 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
  More than Just a Paycheck!
  Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
  
  We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
  
  Read about our benefits:
  The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
  
  Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
  
  Insurance Benefits
  Employees and their families 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.
  
  Retirement and Deferred Compensation
  State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
  
  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 leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
  
  Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual 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.
  
  As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
  
  Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
  
  Military Leave
  Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
  
  Bereavement Leave
  Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
  
  Additional Leave
  Leave Sharing
  
  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  Leave Without Pay
  
  Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
  
  Updated 01-07-2026
  01
  
  Which of the following best describes your qualifications for this position? (Select one)
  • I have at least one year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
  • I have a Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field, plus one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
  • I have 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.
  • I have an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or a related field, totaling six years.
  • None of the above.
  
  Required Question

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