Salary : $5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 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 Tumwater, WA.
This role supports functions independently and assures that clients receive appropriate quality services that meet their individual needs and recognizes their capabilities and choices through timely and responsive assessment, service delivery and reassessment and case management. This position plans, promotes, develops and provides long-term care services that are responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities and the elderly with priority attention to low-income individuals and families.
This position conducts face to face comprehensive assessment and reassessments at the client's residence (in-home, hospital, nursing home, residential facility etc.) using a laptop computer to determine clients' level of care, including determining nursing facility level of care needs. This position develops initial and on-going care plans that provide the support necessary to allow clients to remain in or return to their community. This position assesses and provides case management to adults at high risk of institutionalization or to those adults whose need for case management is part of a service plan developed following an adult protective service investigation.
Some of what you'll do:- Conduct and complete face-to-face comprehensive assessments and reassessments of the clients in various settings, including private homes, adult family homes, hospitals, or other facilities, using a state-provided computerized system
- Provide case management services to clients meeting criteria set forth in Aging & Disability Services Long Term Care manuals and policies
- Make referrals to other community resources
- Consult and staff cases with supervisor
- File care documents, draft letters and respond to administrative request for reports or constituent responses
- Refer to the Community Nurse Consultant on Skin Observation Protocols (SPO's) and Critical indicators when triggered, as per ADSA protocol. Consult with nurse as needed on complex medical issues/terminology
- Provide client advocacy as well as consultation, networking, family support and crisis intervention. Coordinate with families, facilities, local office staff and other regional offices and community agencies regarding the needs of clients served
- Take part in case staffing meetings; including A-Team and case coordination meetings which may include internal and external stakeholders
- Other duties as assigned
What we're looking for:- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to work effectively with clients, peers, management, the public, and interpreters
- Ability to prioritize and organize workload according to office policy, timeframes, and workload expectations
- Ability to reprioritize assignments as necessary to meet emergencies and/or provide unit coverage
- Skill and ability to independently resolve complaints, inquiries and client/customer service problems while maintaining appropriate confidentiality
- Skill and ability to provide agency interpretation of laws, regulations, and processes
- Possess word processing and data input (keyboarding) skills, with the ability to use various computer software applications and learn new programs
- Skill and ability to operate various office equipment/machines (fax, keyboard, scanner, printer, etc.) and perform a variety of clerical tasks/duties
- Ability to work independently and make independent decisions
- Ability to learn or possess knowledge of DSHS policies, rules and laws
Who should apply? We are looking for professionals with:
- Twelve months as a
AND - Completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program
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
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
Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services,
criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling four years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement.
NOTE: Practicum work 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 one year of their appointment
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 06508.
