DSHS HCLA Assessment Specialist

Full Job Description

DSHS HCLA - WA Cares Fund Assessment & Community Support Specialist (Social Service Specialist 2)

Location: Our current openings offer workstations in Everett, Kent, Bellevue, Bellingham, or Mount Vernon.

Make a meaningful impact in long-term care policy by embracing this thrilling opportunity.

The WA Cares Fund is the first of its kind in the United States, showcasing why Washington State leads the nation in long-term care initiatives.

Created by the WA State Legislature, the WA Cares Fund (WCF) offers affordable long-term care insurance coverage to all working Washingtonians.

This is a rare opportunity to become one of the founding team members as we introduce the nation’s first long-term services and supports social insurance program.

DSHS’s Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) WCF is hiring key team members now to assist as we move toward the full implementation of the program.

Beginning in 2026, the innovative work that you do now will aid qualified people and their authorized representatives to apply for and access their earned benefits that help pay for daily-living activities.

Your experience, knowledge, and skills make a difference.

As a WA Cares Fund Assessor Specialist, you’ll meet people both in-person and remote long-term care functional assessments under the WA Cares Fund program.

Whether it’s in their home, a hospital room, a nursing facility, or a residential care setting, you’ll conduct thoughtful, compassionate assessments to help determine their eligibility for self-directed long-term care services.

You’ll craft personalized care plans that reflect everyone’s unique needs and goals, helping them stay in or return to their community with the support they need to thrive.

Note:

• We are continuously accepting applications for this ad until all openings are filled.
  
• Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• 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 will be doing:

• Conduct in-person and remote functional assessments to determine long-term care needs and WA Cares Fund eligibility.
• Interpret assessment findings and personal information to approve or deny WA Cares Fund services.
• Develop and implement individualized service plans that guide long-term care supports.
• Educate individuals, families, professionals, and the public about long-term care options, program benefits, rates, and limitations.
• Provide guidance on provider enrollment, service search processes, and rate-setting best practices.
• Counsel families on qualified caregiver requirements, payment options, and available legal or informational resources.
• Refer individuals to community resources or alternative programs when WA Cares Fund is not pursued.
• Ensure accurate, timely documentation and data entry while responding to administrative requests.
• Make referrals to Adult Protective Services or investigative bodies when safety concerns arise.
• Adapt priorities and workflows to address emergencies, coverage needs, and support individuals in remaining safely in their communities.

Who should apply:
Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1 plus completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
Or
A master’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience.
Or
A bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
Or
Six years of professional/practical experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

Note: A two-year master’s degree in one of the above fields that includes a practicum will be substituted for one year of
paid social service experience.

Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within one year of their appointment.

DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources.

Interested? Please submit a current resume, contact information for three professional references, and a cover letter explaining how their knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify them for this role.

Questions? Please reach out to Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference 00052.

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.

Additional 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.

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