Job Details

DSHS HCLA - Social Service Supervisor (Social Service Specialist 5)
The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Social Service Supervisor to lead a dedicated team in Spokane within the Home and Community Services (HCS) division.
This pivotal role oversees a unit of Social Services Specialists who deliver essential long-term care services to low-income adults with disabilities and elderly clients across Region I. As a first-line supervisor, the incumbent will be responsible for hiring, training, and guiding staff who administer Medicaid-funded Home and Community-Based Services, ensuring timely, person-centered assessments and case management that honor each client's dignity, independence, and choices. The position plays a critical role in fostering strong partnerships with hospitals, tribal communities, residential providers, and other local agencies to enhance service delivery and access. With a focus on leadership, collaboration, and operational excellence, this role is vital to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in our community.
Some of what you'll do:
* Supervise a unit of six Social Service Specialists, including recruiting, hiring, training, mentoring, coaching, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
* Oversee staff who assess individual client needs, determine appropriate nursing facility levels of care, and develop care plans to support clients in remaining or returning to the community.
* Ensure accurate authorization and timely service delivery from Medicaid Personal Care (MPC), Community First Choice (CFC), Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), Residential Support Waiver (RSW), and Nursing Facility Care programs.
* Implement performance standards, conduct quality assurance reviews, assign and prioritize work, and monitor staff performance, including initiating corrective or disciplinary actions as needed.
* Coordinate and conduct staff training, unit meetings, case staffing, and multi-disciplinary meetings, while keeping staff informed of policies, procedures, and program updates.
* Collaborate with community organizations, including the Community Services Office (CSO), Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services (HCS), Area Agency on Aging, hospitals, nursing and community-based facilities, local Tribal Governments, and other state and local agencies.
* Analyze data and reports to track performance measures, identify trends, correct errors, and equitably distribute workloads, while participating in workgroups, planning meetings, and committees for program improvement.
Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:
* Supervise multiple staff, set clear expectations, evaluate performance, provide feedback, conduct quality assurance, and deliver training adapted to diverse learning needs.
* Independently assess situations, exercise professional judgment, solve complex problems, and make decisions to prevent liability or negative outcomes.
* Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with management, staff, clients, community partners, and the public; resolve conflicts and foster collaboration.
* Analyze programmatic and case information, identify trends, prioritize workloads, and manage resources efficiently to meet deadlines and organizational goals.
* Apply knowledge of Medicaid laws, HCLA/HCS programs, long-term care, disability, and para-medical principles to guide staff and support client care.
* Coordinate and participate in case staffing, unit meetings, and multi-disciplinary teams while developing effective relationships with internal and external partners.
* Utilize technology and data systems, including Microsoft Office, video conferencing, and DSHS databases, for reporting, documentation, scheduling, and research.
Who should apply?
We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:
* One year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 4,
OR
* Two years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 3,
OR
* Four years of experience as a Social Service Specialist 2,
OR
* A Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 3,
OR
* A Bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or a related field and five years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
Additional notes:
* A two-year Master's degree in one of the fields above that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
* Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within eighteen months of appointment.
* Paid social service experience must include assessing risk and safety for adults or children and providing direct, family-centered practice services.
* Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
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 Ricky Luna at ...@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07011.
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) ###-####. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-###-####.

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