DSHS HCLA Assessment Specialist

Washington State

  • Thurston County, WA Tumwater, WA
  • $5,398-7,254 per month
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 21 hours ago
DescriptionDSHS HCLA - WA Cares Fund Assessment & Community Support SpecialistAre you passionate about empowering individuals to live independently and thrive in their communities? Join our mission-driven team and make a meaningful impact through the WA Cares Fund program.Come join the within the team to help develop the first-in-the-nation social insurance program and be part of the latest example of why Washington State is a national leader in long-term care policy insurance coverage for all working Washingtonians. WA CARE is responsible for designing and implementing the program and helping Washingtonians understand this new benefit. 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.Some of what you will be doing
  • Conduct and complete in-person and remote functional assessments at the homes of Qualified Individuals.
  • Interpret detailed assessments and personal information to approve or deny WA Cares Fund services.
  • Develop and implement personalized service plans that guide long-term care support.
  • Educate individuals and families about long-term care options, rates, and program benefits.
  • Advice on provider enrollment, search and rate setting best practices.
  • Instruct professionals and the public about available services and program limitations.
  • Prepare and counsel families on qualified caregiver requirements and payment options.
  • Refer individuals to alternative community resources when WA Cares Fund is not pursued.
  • Ensure accurate and timely data entry into WA Cares Fund systems.
  • Explain department policies and legal provisions to families and community members.
  • Assess daily living assistance needs to determine long-term care eligibility.
  • Help individuals remain in or return to their communities, instead of entering nursing homes or other institutional care settings.
  • Make referrals to Adult Protective Services and investigations when necessary.
  • Provide legal resources, brochures, and informational materials as appropriate.
  • Maintain organized documentation and respond to administrative requests.
  • Adapt and re-prioritize tasks in response to emergencies or coverage needs.
What We're Looking For:
  • Compassionate professionals with strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
  • Experience in long-term care, social work, or public health is highly valued.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams and communities.
Why Join us:This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of long-term care in Washington State, helping individuals access the support they need while preserving their independence and dignity. If you're ready to bring empathy, clinical insight, and a deep commitment to community care, we'd love to have you on the team.Who should apply: Social Service Specialist 1: A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field and employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within eighteen months of their appointment.OR Social Service Specialist 2: Twelve months as a Social Service Specialist 1 AND 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 A combination of professional/practical hands-on experience of six years of professional / practical experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.Have questions? Please reach out to Peter Bonato by email at or phone (360) 725-5810 and reference 06051.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.Supplemental InformationPrior 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.E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington State