DSHS HCLA Nursing Facility Case Manager - Social Service Specialist 3

Full Job Description

Social Service Specialist 3 - Nursing Facility Case Manager

Washington State's Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) are hiring for a Nursing Facility Case Manager to join our team in Wenatchee, WA. In this specialized role, you will play a critical role in supporting older adults and adults with disabilities who are currently living in nursing facilities and seeking to transition into community-based care. This position focuses on thoughtful planning, careful assessment and coordinated support to help people move into settings that better align with their needs, preferences and well-being.

In this role, you will work closely with individuals, families, care providers and community partners to understand each person’s situation and develop service plans that promote safety, stability and independence.

Your work helps ensure services are appropriate, timely and delivered with respect for personal choice. This position requires sound judgment, strong communication and a steady, compassionate approach.

The work is complex and meaningful, offering the opportunity to make a lasting difference in people’s lives through careful decision-making and consistent follow-through.

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct in-depth assessments in nursing facilities, homes and residential settings to determine care needs and service eligibility.
• Identify individuals who are eligible for relocation from nursing facilities and support safe, well-planned transitions to community settings.
• Explain long-term care options and help clients choose the right care for them.
• Work with clients, families, and nursing facility staff to create a plan that supports the client’s goals and independence.
• Coordinate services with care providers and community partners to make sure clients get the support they need.
• Assist clients with applying for benefits, managing payments, and understanding eligibility for programs.
• Coordinate with families, medical providers, contractors and community partners to support continuity of care.
• Assist individuals with applications and paperwork related to long-term care services and benefits.
• Verify financial and program eligibility and calculate participation amounts when required.
• Manage and prioritize a caseload in line with workload expectations and timelines.
• Complete accurate documentation and maintain organized, up-to-date case records.
• Participate in meetings, trainings and case discussions to support quality practice and continuous learning.

Who should apply? We are looking for professionals with:

• One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2.
  OR
• A master’s degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related 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 a related field, plus two years of paid social service experience** performing duties equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
  OR
• An equivalent combination of education in social services, human services, criminal law/justice, or a related field, AND paid social service work experience** totaling at least six years.

*A two-year master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may substitute for one year of paid social service experience.
**Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for children and/or adults and providing direct, family-centered practice services.


Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Assessment and casework practice: Ability to apply social casework principles and evidence-based practices when assessing high-risk adults and elders, including functional assessments, fall prevention strategies and medication considerations.
• Policy application: Knowledge of Medicaid laws, regulations and long-term care policies, with the ability to apply them accurately when determining eligibility and authorizing services.
• Relationship-building and advocacy: Capacity to build trust while supporting dignity, independence and informed decision-making for the people served.
• Service planning and coordination: Experience developing individualized service plans that support safety, independence and client choice, while coordinating with families, providers and community partners.
• Clear and professional communication: Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, families, coworkers and service providers, including presenting cases, explaining decisions and resolving concerns.
• Use of technology: Comfort using computerized systems for assessments, documentation, scheduling and research, while maintaining accurate and well-organized records.
• Workload management and problem-solving: Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize referrals, meet timelines and develop practical solutions to complex client and program challenges.
• Professional judgment: Sound decision-making that balances individual needs, safety, accountability and program expectations.

Interested? Apply today!

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00607.

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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