DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

DSHS HCLA Social Service Specialist 3

Salary

$5,779.00 - $7,774.00 Monthly

Location

King County - Kirkland, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-07812

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

HCLA

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits

Description

DSHS HCLA - Social Service Specialist 3

The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring for a dedicated Social Service Specialist to join our team in Kirkland, WA. Our office is conveniently located in the Totem Lake area of Kirkland and serves various communities in King County's Eastside.

This position is within the Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, this position provides services to the vulnerable adult population 18 years of age and older. This position offers, arranges for and provides protective services to vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 and in accordance with RCW, WAC, Chapter 6 of the Long Term Care manual, Management Bulletins and policies. Additionally, this position coordinates and collaborates with community partners, such as law enforcement, Attorney General's Office, Prosecutor's office, physicians, contracted providers, and other DSHS divisions.

This position functions independently and investigates reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults, and provides protective services and legal remedies to protect vulnerable adults. This position conducts objective, timely and thorough investigations; assists vulnerable adults to access appropriate services as provided by rules and regulations, policy guidelines and client consent; networking and coordinating with others to serve vulnerable adults and educating vulnerable adults and the community about abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, exploitation and protective services.

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.

Some of what youll do:

• Collects and evaluates relevant information, such as medical and financial documents, functional assessments, psychological evaluations, legal and court documents as well as other pertinent documents in order to make decisions related to the investigation, protective services and outcomes.
• Provides client advocacy, as well as consultation, networking, family support and crisis interventions. Coordinates with staff, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices and community agencies/partners regarding needs of clients served.
• Offers Protective Services to the Vulnerable Adult, such as referrals for Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders, Protective Payees, mental health services, long-term care services, transportation, legal assistance, medical attention, and numerous other possible helpful protective services.
• Identifies situations presenting risk to vulnerable children and/or adults and refer to Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services and/or Complaint Resolution Unit.
• Records and documents case activity clearly, succinctly, and within established timeframes in the automated computer system.
• Organizes caseload priorities according to office policy, mandatory response times, and workload expectations. Triages and prioritizes caseload to meet timeframes. Reprioritizes assignments as necessary to meet emergencies.
• Implements and applies policy and procedures as outlined in the ALTSA LongTerm Care manual, WAC, RCW, and Management Bulletins.
• Prepares and presents recommended substantiated findings at case review meetings
• Prepares and provides testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, criminal, civil and administrative proceedings. Communication with Legal Benefits Advisor and/or Attorney General's office.

What were looking for:

• Ability to communicate and comprehend, through oral and written forms of communication, with management, peers, clients, and the public.
• Skill and ability to apply instructions/policy outlined in the ALTSA Long Term Care manual, WAC, Management Bulletins and implement into daily practice.
• Ability to independently assess situations and utilize good professional independent judgment.
• Skill and ability to evaluate a crisis situation and/or complex case issue and staff with appropriate authority to avoid potential liability and/or negative outcomes.
• Knowledge and skill to communicate with vulnerable adults re: functional, social, financial, and medical needs.
• Knowledge of Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies.

Who should apply?

We are looking for professionals with:

One year as a Social Service Specialist 2

OR

A Masters 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

OR

A Bachelors 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.

NOTE: A two year Masters 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 eighteen months of their appointment.

NOTE: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.

Equivalent education/experience.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along with your application, please include an updated resume.

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 07812.

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 applicants 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.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. 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.

Read about our benefits:

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.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

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 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.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

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.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

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.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

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.

Updated 01-07-2026

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov