DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

Benefits

This work supports the vision of the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) to have seniors and people with disabilities living with good health, independence, dignity, and control over the decisions that affect their lives.

This position is assigned to Union Gap Home and Community Services Office. A hybrid telework schedule may be available for this permanent full-time vacancy after successful completion of probationary period.

In this role, you will be working with Medicaid applicants residing in their own homes seeking in-home services to maintain their independence, or occasionally assist with placement into a residential setting, such as an Adult Family Home (AFH) and Assisted Living Facility (ALF) setting. The population are high-risk, frail, vulnerable people, aged 18 years and older, who are medically and financially reliant on services from Home and Community Services.

The in-home social service position conducts comprehensive assessments at the client’s residence, using a laptop computerized system, to determine functional eligibility for Medicaid long-term care services and determination of level of care. This position also develops an individualized service plan in conjunction with the client and/or representative to meet the needs of the client.

This position requires excellent organizational skills to manage a large volume of new referrals and provide diversion activities to prevent hospitalization or nursing facility placement. Additionally, as this position works to determine nursing facility level of care, a strong medical background is preferred.

Some of what you'll do: Conduct functional assessment utilizing the department’s Comprehensive Assessment Reporting & Evaluation (CARE) computerized tool to determine level of care and eligibility for Community First Choice (CFC) Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), Medical Personal Care (MPC), Residential Support Waiver (RSW) and other programs administered by Home and Community Services

Develop appropriate ongoing, individualized service plans in conjunction with clients and/or representatives to meet the needs of the client

Authorize appropriate services for Medicaid clients utilizing qualified providers if the client chooses to receive their long-term care services in a residential setting or an in-home setting

Coordinate and provide financial support services including assisting clients to fill out forms and applications for HCS benefits, Non-Grant Medical Assistance (NGMA) verifying Medicaid financial eligibility for RSW, COPES, MPC, CFC, or appropriateness of Fast Track services

Other duties as assigned

• Conduct functional assessment utilizing the department’s Comprehensive Assessment Reporting & Evaluation (CARE) computerized tool to determine level of care and eligibility for Community First Choice (CFC) Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), Medical Personal Care (MPC), Residential Support Waiver (RSW) and other programs administered by Home and Community Services
• Develop appropriate ongoing, individualized service plans in conjunction with clients and/or representatives to meet the needs of the client
• Authorize appropriate services for Medicaid clients utilizing qualified providers if the client chooses to receive their long-term care services in a residential setting or an in-home setting
• Coordinate and provide financial support services including assisting clients to fill out forms and applications for HCS benefits, Non-Grant Medical Assistance (NGMA) verifying Medicaid financial eligibility for RSW, COPES, MPC, CFC, or appropriateness of Fast Track services

• Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology, policy implementation
• 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

• Benefits
• Health insurance
• Paid leave
• Staff training and other compensation benefits

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) oversees Washington state’s nationally recognized system of long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities. This includes home and community-based care, protections against abuse and neglect, regulatory oversight of licensed settings, and case management services. Within HCLA, the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division plans, develops, and provides long-term care services, including Medicaid-funded programs, to help individuals live as independently as possible in their communities.