Dshs Altsa Social Services Specialist

Home and Community Services Social Service Specialist

Become a member of our hard-working, supportive team of professionals that provide social services to vulnerable adult populations as a Home and Community Services Social Services Specialist 3. This work supports the vision of the Aging & Long-Term Care Support Administration (ALTSA) to have seniors and people with disabilities living with good health, independence, dignity, and control over the decisions that affect their lives.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to meet with people with disabilities and the elderly, particularly those of low income, determine eligibility through a comprehensive assessment, and develop a plan of care and eligibility for in-home services or placement in residential facilities. Your reward is in knowing that the tailored wraparound services that you provide are effective in the lives of others. These amazing career opportunities offer you the ability to grow with DSHS and join a dedicated team focused on protecting Washingtonians in SW WA (Region 3).

We have multiple jobs, across Region 3 in Tacoma. These jobs are field-based, and your work will cover the county you live in. Travel is a function of the job and occurs daily. A hybrid telework schedule is available for these permanent, full-time vacancies.

Interviews will be scheduled for October 16th and 17th, 2024.

Some of what you will do

• Conduct in-person, client-centered functional assessment interviews utilizing a laptop and software, in the client's places of residency; interviews are at the client's residence (in-home, hospital, nursing home, residential facility, etc.)

• Determine eligibility for the Community First Choice, Community Options Program Entry Systems, Medicaid Personal Care, or other applicable programs

• Develop appropriate ongoing, individualized service plans in collaboration with clients and representatives to meet the needs of the client

• As a client advocate, coordinate client needs with families, facilities, and community resources, as well as consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention

• Provide case management to high-risk adults whose need is part of a service plan developed following an adult protective service investigation

• Authorize appropriate services and payments

• Document contacts and situations; on occasion, prepare and provide testimony at hearings and legal proceedings

Who should apply?

Professionals who are committed to advocating for the lives of others and have work experience and education in one of the following:

• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field + one year of practicum or paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2
• Or, a bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or a related field + 2 years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2 (i.e., case management, supporting the needs of adults, providing resources to vulnerable populations)
• Or, one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 within DSHS

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology, policy implementation

• High-degree of mindfulness

• Effective and flexible communication with clients, representatives, and community partners

• Conduct work in the home environments of clients, with a diverse caseload

• Effectively multi-task using strong time management, organizational, and critical thinking skills to meet deadlines, maintain flexibility, and provide solutions

• Completion of comprehensive assessments and development of individualized service plans

• Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology, policy implementation

These jobs offer career growth. Experience assisting vulnerable adults is desired, although is not required.

The goal class for this role described above is for a Social Service Specialist 3. Starting salary depends on your qualifications. Thoroughly submitted application documents will assist in determining your experience and education in this area.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.

Interested?  Submit your application today and respond to locations in the Supplemental Questions section.

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission that you bring an equity, anti-racism and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.   

#WeAreHiring #InclusionWorks #SocialWork

Questions? Email the recruiter at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference 06557 or phone Chris at 360-725-5886. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

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.

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