DSHS HCLA Intake Specialist (Program Specialist 3) - INTERNAL

DSHS HCLA – Intake Specialist (Program Specialist 3) – INTERNAL Location: Region 2 (Snohomish, King, Skagit, and Whatcom counties)

Make a meaningful impact on the future of long-term care in Washington! The WA Cares Fund (WCF) is the first program of its kind in the nation, providing working Washingtonians with access to affordable long-term care benefits they can use when they need assistance with daily activities. Created by the Washington State Legislature, this innovative program is expanding access to long-term services and supports for eligible individuals. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), is building its WA Cares Fund team to support the program’s implementation and help individuals access their earned benefits.

We are hiring an Intake Specialist (Program Specialist 3) to join our team in Region 2. This position is primarily remote and open to internal applicants residing in Region 2, which covers Snohomish, King, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. You’ll play an important role in this effort by interviewing applicants and their representatives, reviewing information to determine appropriate long-term care assessment options, coordinating assessment scheduling, and explaining program requirements and available resources. Your knowledge and skills will help individuals and families make informed decisions about their care and connect eligible Washingtonians with services that support their independence and quality of life.

Some of what you'll do:• Review applications and conduct intake screenings by interviewing applicants, family members, and representatives to understand their long-term care needs, medical history, functional limitations, and support systems.

• Determine appropriate assessment options by reviewing documentation, consulting with medical and long-term care providers, and evaluating whether an in-person or remote assessment best meets the individual’s needs.
• Coordinate assessment scheduling and safety planning by scheduling in-person assessments with available assessors, documenting potential safety concerns, and escalating risks to a supervisor when appropriate.
• Educate individuals and families about WA Cares Fund services including functional requirements, the 90-day certification requirement, provider searches and enrollment, benefit amounts, and payment authorization processes.
• Provide referrals and guidance on available resources by connecting individuals with alternative community, state, and federal programs and explaining options for continued support after WA Cares Fund benefits are exhausted.
• Maintain accurate records and program documentation by entering timely and complete information into applicable systems, preparing reports and correspondence, and providing required informational materials and resources.
• Support team operations and program requirements by interpreting policies for internal and external customers, meeting deadlines, adapting to changing priorities, cross-training in assessment functions, and mentoring new team members as needed.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:• Knowledge of aging processes, gerontology, adult services, and effective interviewing techniques.

• Ability to assess social dynamics, identify individual needs, and exercise sound judgment while supporting informed client decisions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain program requirements, assist with forms, resolve concerns, and communicate professionally with diverse audiences.
• Ability to provide quality customer service, identify appropriate community resources, and connect individuals with services that meet their needs.
• Skill in navigating multiple complex computer systems, maintaining accurate records, and preparing and submitting reports.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain professional focus and objectivity.
• Ability to follow management direction, adapt to change, respect differing perspectives, and collaborate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Who should apply? We are searching for professionals with:• A Bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with public or private agencies, organizations, or levels of government.

OR• Six years of professional or practical experience in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with public or private agencies, organizations, or levels of government.

Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Note: Employees must successfully complete the required formal training course within one year of appointment.

Additional information:• Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• 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.
• Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• This position works primarily remote, with occasional in-person training and meetings.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! 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 [email protected] and reference job number #08550.

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.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.

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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