What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ALTSA Social Service Specialist position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
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 and 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.
This job is field-based, and your work will cover the county you live in, with occasional travel to outlying counties as needed. Travel is a function of the job and occurs frequently. A hybrid telework schedule may be considered for these permanent, full-time vacancies, after the probationary period.
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 Region 1.
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
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
- A 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
The goal class for this role described above is for a Social Service Specialist 3. We may consider applicants at the SSS2 level, with a training plan to advance to an SSS3. Education and experience are the differences between qualifications at each level and are evaluated by the hiring team. Starting salary depends on your qualifications. Thoroughly submitted application documents will assist in determining your experience and education in this area.
Interested? Submit your application today and respond to the locations in the Supplemental Questions section.
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.
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 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.
Questions about this opportunity? Please email alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00441
Supplemental Information
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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