Description

DSHS ALTSA Social Service Specialist 3

Join us in our mission of Transforming Lives and become a member of our hard-working team of professionals that provide social services to vulnerable adult populations. 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.

The Home and Community Services Division (HCS) is seeking highly motivated and dedicated Social Service Specialists to join our team. Positions are available in King and Snohomish counties.

Employees assigned to a permanent duty station in King County will receive a five percent Premium Pay increase calculated from their base salary. Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Some of what you'll be doing:

• 
  Conduct functional assessments at the clients’ residence (in-home, hospital, nursing home, residential facility, etc.) utilizing the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evaluation (CARE) computerized tool to determine the client’s care needs and eligibility for Long Term Care Services. Travel is required as a part of the job and occurs daily.
• Develop appropriate individualized person-centered service plans in conjunction with the client, family members, or other representatives to meet the needs of the client.
• Provide client advocacy as well as consultation, networking, family support and crisis intervention.
• Document contacts and situations and authorize payment for provided services.
• Coordinate with other community agencies and resources to develop a plan to meet clients needs.

What we're looking for:

• Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with management, peers, clients and the public.
• Ability to learn and implement policies and procedures and flexibility to adapt to change.
• Ability to work with colleagues and clients from a wide variety of backgrounds, respecting differences in opinions and values.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize and organize tasks and assignments to meet workload expectations.
• Ability to problem solve and utilize excellent critical thinking skills
• Experience working with elderly or disabled population is desirable.

A few reasons you should consider this career opportunity:

• Your direct work with HCS clients will be challenging, interesting and impactful. You will not be bored!
• Positions have a comprehensive training plan, strong supervisor and peer relationships and career growth potential throughout HCS and ALTSA
• You will receive an excellent benefits package that rivals any employer in Washington State.
• You will have the option to telework upon successful completion of your trial period.
• Click here to see why people like you chose careers with DSHS.

Who should apply:
The goal class is a Social Service Specialist 3 however we will consider candidates at the Social Service Specialist 2 level, with a training plan to advance to a SSS3. Placement in the SSS2 or SSS3 job class will be based on a review of education and experience.

We’re looking for professionals with a bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, and at least 2 years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
Or
A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field and at least one year of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2
Or
Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field with a completed practicum.

• A master’s degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.

Or
One year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or Social Service Specialist 2 and completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.

Along with your application, please include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission 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? Please contact Leah.Brandenburg@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00088.

Supplemental 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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