About the Department

HCLA Regional Medical Consultant

Join our Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) as part of the Office of Medical Services. As a permanent, part-time, remote Regional Medical Consultant, you will work with others in the Fostering Well-Being Program (FWBP) to ensure health care is appropriate and advocates for the needs of children referred to the program. Regional Medical Consultants are also available for clinical consultation to Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) social workers for children/youth in out-of-home-placement with the state. Clinical consultation can be for non-dependent children where there is risk of health and/or safety in question and at risk of entering dependency with the State. 

The role is advisory and consultative, focusing on interpreting medical records, identifying medically fragile children, and offering second-level consultation to FWB nurses. RMCs do not provide direct treatment, diagnosis, or medical record documentation, but instead guide case planning and support care coordination through evidence-based pediatric standards. You will be providing consultation to DCYF regarding health policies and health trends within the State of WA and around the nation. Regional Medical Consultants are located around the state and generally provide consultation to specific regions.  
 
Some of what you will be doing

• Assists Child Protective Services (CPS) & Family Assessment Response (FAR) team with high-level consultation to answer generic, non-child specific questions about trauma related issues.
• Review, process, and summarize medical records of children/youth who are at risk of going into dependency.
• Provide caseworkers with expert interpretation of drug testing and other medical screenings done on parents or on children.
• Review medical documentation of child's/guardian and make recommendations on suitability given own medical status as it relates to caring for children/youth and risk of out-of-home placement.
  
  Children in out-of-home placement -
  
  
• Provide technical expertise across multiple organizations with respect to the health care needs of individual children in foster care, particularly children with health needs and chronic health conditions.
• Provide recommendation on types of care and local primary, specialty, and behavioral care resources for children in foster care and assist in navigating to regional and local medical resources.
• Provide regular consultation to social workers for foster children with complex medical needs.
• Evaluate efficacy of care, participate in care plan discussions, and assist social workers and others on establishing care plans for children in out-of-home placement.
• Communicate regularly with the program Registered Nurses to inform on gaps in access to health care.

• Medical doctor (Pediatrician), board certified in pediatrics. 
• Five years of work with complex medical and behavioral needs of children,
• Active WA State license to practice medicine or eligibility to obtain by start of employment.
• Experience with best practices in diagnosis and treatment of children's health conditions.
• Knowledge of complex medical and behavioral needs of children.
• Understanding of cultural diversity with respect to attitudes, perceptions and practices around health and health care.
• Knowledge of regional and state health care system, as well as health resources and professional organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret medical records and other personal health information.
• Proven ability to use sound independent judgment in complex organizational environments.

• Knowledge of Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF's) policies, program operations, and services.
• Prior experience working with medically fragile children.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse range of families and department staff.
• Conduct public speaking and media events.
• Carry out trainings for multiple groups and individuals including regional and state staff, families, professional organizations and others.
• Ability to advocate and negotiate with community health providers.
  
  

Questions? Please contact [email protected] and reference 03610

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.

Other Qualifications

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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