Remote Social Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $66,072.00 - $88,788.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05544
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Social Service Specialist 2
DSHS's (HCS) Division is hiring for Social Service Specialist 2s to serve as a Presumptive Eligibility (PE) case managers. This role sits within the Home and Community Living Administration and supports Medicaid applicants across Washington who need help staying safe in their own homes.
You'll help people stay independent by assessing if people qualify for Presumptive Eligibility. You'll also people start getting help fast while their full application moves forward. Your assessment can be the difference between a person staying home and moving into a nursing facility.
Additionally, you'll also connect clients to programs like COPES, Community First Choice, and Medicaid Personal Care. You will explain these programs to assess interest and you'll team up with community partners, tribal agencies, and Area Agencies on Aging so clients get the right help without delay.
Please note: These are project positions, although temporary they are benefit-eligible and are currently expected to be funded through June 30, 2028. These positions have been approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. There may be coverage needed at your local office, or trainings and that will be determined as the need arises.
Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct functional assessments over the phone using the CARE Web system to determine eligibility for Presumptive Eligibility (PE).
• Complete a financial pre-screen based on client self-attestation.
• Build individualized service plans with clients and their representatives.
• Authorize in-home services through qualified providers based on client choice.
• Act as the point of contact with Consumer Direct Washington for individual provider issues.
• Monitor referrals, solve problems that come up, and confirm services start on time.
• Conduct intake interviews and risk assessments by phone or in person.
• Explain Medicaid programs such as Community First Choice, COPES, and Medicaid Personal Care.
• Complete Nursing Facility Level of Care screenings for the Medicaid Alternative Care and Tailored Support for Older Adults programs.
• Hand off eligible clients to Area Agency on Aging partners.
• Help clients fill out benefit applications, including Non-Grant Medical Assistance.
• Mail application packets and information to clients and their representatives.
• Coordinate with community and tribal partners to connect clients with the right services.
• Refer clients to Adult Protective Services or mental health services when needed.
• Organize and submit documents to meet program deadlines and standards.
• Attend team meetings, trainings, and conferences.

Who should apply? We are seeking professionals who meet one of the following qualification options:
One year as a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
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 1.
OR
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 1.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling 5 years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement.
**Practicum work 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.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Communication: Explains Medicaid programs clearly, interviews clients with or without an interpreter, and composes professional written correspondence.
• Technology: Uses a laptop, the CARE Web system, and Microsoft Office to complete assessments, scheduling, and documentation.
• Casework knowledge: Applies social casework theory and practice to guide client decisions.
• Prioritization: Sorts and manages a high volume of referrals based on urgency and office timelines.
• Problem-solving: Analyzes complex client situations, resolves conflicts between clients and providers, and links clients to agency and community resources.
• Adaptability: Adjusts to change, respects different opinions and values, and helps each client reach their highest level of independence.
• Program knowledge: Understands Medicaid laws and rules for long-term care and applies evidence-based practices, such as fall prevention and medication review, to support elders and high-risk adults.
• Equity and cultural competence: Treats every client with respect and adjusts communication to aid understanding.

Interested? Apply today!
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.
Questions? Please contact or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 05544.
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 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.
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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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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