DSHS HCLA WCF Assessment Specialist

DSHS HCLA WA Cares Fund – Assessment Specialist (Social Service Specialist 2)
Location: Our current openings offer workstations in Kent, Seattle, Everett, and Bellingham. These are full-time, benefit-eligible project roles that are funded through June 30th, 2027.

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. 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 Assessment Specialist, you’ll meet people both in-person and remote to conduct 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 do:

• 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?
We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 and successful completion of the agency's Social Service Specialist training program within twelve months of appointment.

OR

• A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

OR

• A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or a closely related field and two years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

OR

• Six years of professional or practical experience performing work equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.

Note: A two-year master's degree that includes a practicum may substitute for one year of the required paid social service experience.

What we're looking for:

• Knowledge of gerontology, aging processes, adult services, and social service assessment and interviewing techniques.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive assessments, evaluate complex social situations, and exercise sound judgment when making recommendations and decisions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage clients, families, community partners, providers, and colleagues.
• Ability to connect individuals with appropriate community resources and support services while assisting with problem resolution and service navigation.
• Proficiency using multiple computer systems and technology platforms to document, manage, and maintain accurate case information.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, adapt to changing circumstances, and consistently meet performance expectations.
• Commitment to professionalism, customer service, cultural responsiveness, and maintaining objectivity while serving diverse populations.

Additional information:

• 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.  

Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? 
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #04708.


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.