DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3 Salary $5,666.00 - $7,622.00 Monthly
Location: Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-01238
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Opening Date: 02/12/2026
Closing Date: 2/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Benefits
Questions
Job Description
DSHS HCLA - Social Service Specialist 2 or 3
The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring a dedicated in-home Social Service Specialist 2 or 3 to join our Spokane, WA in-training team. This is a one year, in-person, intensive training program for a Residential Social Service Specialist 2 or 3.
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.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct in-person, client-centered functional assessment interviews utilizing a laptop and software, in the client's residential facility. • Determine eligibility for the Community First Choice, Community Options Program Entry Systems, Medicaid Personal Care, or other applicable programs. • Develop appropriate ongoing, individualized service plans in collaboration with clients and representatives to meet the needs of the client. • As a client advocate, coordinate client needs with families, facilities, and community resources, as well as consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention. • Provide case management to high-risk adults whose need is part of a service plan developed following an adult protective service investigation. • Authorize appropriate services and payments. • Document contacts and situations; on occasion, prepare and provide testimony at hearings and legal proceedings.
Who Should Apply?
Professionals who are committed to advocating for the lives of others and have work experience and education in one of the following:
• One year as a Social Service Specialist 2. • A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. • A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2. • Six (6) to Seven (7) years of professional/practical experience working directly in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, with an emphasis in specialized case management involving disabled or vulnerable adults.
Preferred Qualifications
• Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology, policy implementation. • A high degree of mindfulness. • Effective and flexible communication with clients, representatives, and community partners. • Conduct work in the home environments of clients, with a diverse caseload. • Effective multi-task using strong time management, organizational, and critical thinking skills to meet deadlines, maintain flexibility, and provide solutions. • Completion of comprehensive assessments and development of individualized service plans. • Understanding of Medicaid and/or medical terminology, policy implementation.
Why Work for DSHS?
Experience assisting vulnerable adults is desired, although it is not required. The goal class for this role described above is for a Social Service Specialist 3. We may consider applicants at the SSS2 level, with a training plan to advance to an SSS3.
Education and Experience
Education and experience are the differences between qualifications at each level and are evaluated by the hiring team. Starting salary depends on your qualifications. Thoroughly submitted application documents will assist in determining your experience and education in this area.
How to Apply
To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:
• An updated resume. • Three professional references with contact information.
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #01238.
About DSHS
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.
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 drivers 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.
Employee Benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Benefits Details
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff Benefits
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
Dependent Care Assistance
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other Insurance Coverage
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
Washington Wellness Program
The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing, Parental Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave Without Pay.
Please Visit the State HR Website
For more detailed information regarding benefits.