Salary : $5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Kirkland, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionDSHS HCLA - Social Service Specialist 3 The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for a dedicated Social Service Specialist to join our team in Kirkland, WA. Our office is conveniently located in the Totem Lake area of Kirkland and serves various communities in King County's Eastside.
This position is within the Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, this position provides services to the vulnerable adult population 18 years of age and older. This position offers, arranges for and provides protective services to vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 and in accordance with RCW, WAC, Chapter 6 of the Long Term Care manual, Management Bulletins and policies. Additionally, this position coordinates and collaborates with community partners, such as law enforcement, Attorney General's Office, Prosecutor's office, physicians, contracted providers, and other DSHS divisions.
This position functions independently and investigates reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults, and provides protective services and legal remedies to protect vulnerable adults. This position conducts objective, timely and thorough investigations; assists vulnerable adults to access appropriate services as provided by rules and regulations, policy guidelines and client consent; networking and coordinating with others to serve vulnerable adults and educating vulnerable adults and the community about abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, exploitation and protective services.
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.
Some of what you'll do:- Collects and evaluates relevant information, such as medical and financial documents, functional assessments, psychological evaluations, legal and court documents as well as other pertinent documents in order to make decisions related to the investigation, protective services and outcomes.
- Provides client advocacy, as well as 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 needs of clients served.
- Offers Protective Services to the Vulnerable Adult, such as referrals for Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders, Protective Payees, mental health services, long-term care services, transportation, legal assistance, medical attention, and numerous other possible helpful protective services.
- Identifies situations presenting risk to vulnerable children and/or adults and refer 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 to meet emergencies.
- Implements and applies policy and procedures as outlined in the ALTSA LongTerm 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. Communication with Legal Benefits Advisor and/or Attorney General's office.
What we're looking for:- Ability to communicate and comprehend, through oral and written forms of communication, with management, peers, clients, and the public.
- Skill and ability to apply instructions/policy outlined in the ALTSA Long Term Care manual, WAC, Management Bulletins and implement into daily practice.
- Ability to independently assess situations and utilize good professional independent judgment.
- Skill and ability to evaluate a crisis situation and/or complex case issue and staff with appropriate authority to avoid potential liability and/or negative outcomes.
- Knowledge and skill to communicate with vulnerable adults re: functional, social, financial, and medical needs.
- Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.
Who should apply? We are looking for professionals with:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 2
OR
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 2
OR
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 2.
NOTE: A two year Master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within eighteen months of their appointment.
NOTE: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.
Equivalent education/experience.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!Along with your application, please include an updated resume.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 07812.
