ALTSA Social Service Specialist 3 Ready to make a difference in the lives of Washington's most vulnerable adults? Join our Behavioral Support Team at Home and Community Services, where every day you'll advocate for individuals facing complex challenges. As a Social Service Specialist 3, you'll work hands-on with Medicaid clients living in Adult Family Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and other residential settings, providing essential support to those who need it most. This role is perfect for someone with a strong background in mental health, a knack for navigating complex cases, and a genuine passion for empowering adults toward greater independence and quality of life. In this role, you'll conduct in-depth assessments, collaborate with healthcare providers, and implement personalized care plans tailored to each client's needs. Beyond essential paperwork, this role involves real connection - working with community partners, fostering stability, and actively working to prevent unnecessary institutionalization. If you're adaptable, compassionate, and eager to be part of a high-impact team, this role could be your next career move. Some of what you will do: * Conduct functional assessments to determine Medicaid eligibility and appropriate care level for clients in residential settings. * Collaborate with clients and representatives to create individualized service plans, ensuring support aligns with each client's needs and goals. * Provide skilled, ongoing case management, resolving concerns, advocating for clients, and helping divert unnecessary admissions to hospitals or nursing facilities. * Assist clients with Medicaid eligibility applications, benefit verifications, and support financial decision-making, prioritizing according to policy and case needs. * Maintain accurate records, complete forms, and submit documentation according to program standards. * Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and collaborative outreach with community partners to improve service outcomes. * Conduct functional assessments to determine Medicaid eligibility and appropriate care level for clients in a residential setting, state hospital, or correctional facility.   Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities: * Desired experience: One year of paid experience completing comprehensive assessments and development of individualized service plans for the elderly and disabled adult populations including determining the level of care to include care needs related to medical, dementia, and geriatric mental health treatment and interventions.   * Analytical skills: Ability to assess, plan, and prioritize client needs using social casework principles. * Clear communication: Effective communicator able to engage with clients, families, and community partners. * Cultural competency: A respectful approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an ability to adapt to clients from various backgrounds. * Tech savvy: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with assessment tools, electronic health records, and other case management technology. * Knowledge of long-term care services: Familiarity with Medicaid and community-based services for high-risk adults, including crisis intervention, behavioral health strategies, and resource coordination. * Flexibility and resilience: Adaptability in the face of change, with strong organizational skills to manage a diverse caseload.   Who should apply? Professionals who have one of the following: One year as a Social Service Specialist 2 (formerly Social Worker 2).  OR   A master's degree* in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or an allied field AND one years of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.   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 2.  * Note: A two years master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.  Note: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.   Interested? Apply today!   Questions about this opportunity? Please contact DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 13773. 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.   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.   E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.