Dshs ESA Program Specialist 3

DSHS ESA Program Specialist 3

This position is a member of a virtual team and is open for recruitment to be located in one of the following offices: Olympia, Everett, Seattle, Wenatchee, and Spokane, and Tacoma. This position is a non-perm 6-month position.

This position supports the Division of Child Support in the mission to transform lives by connecting children, adults and families to the resources and opportunities that help them reach their full potential. The Alternative Solutions Program is a federally funded IV-D aimed at increasing collections by stabilizing lives of and improving the employability of parents. Alternative Solutions Program Specialists assist parents by providing IV-D services and navigating them to community resources, in order to remove barriers through a holistic family centered approach to help parents achieve self-identified goals.

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 you will do

• Initiates and processes modification and conference board requests from case parties or Alternative Solutions Staff. This includes reconciliation of debt and updated SEMS record.

• Researches and conducts intergovernmental modifications which can involve multiple jurisdictions including other states, sovereign tribal nations, or foreign countries.

• Performs intensive case monitoring and documentation through extensive case notes in SEMS as well as documenting and tracking resources provided, connections made, Individual Solution Plan and progress in Alternative Solution specific data collection tool.

• Provide navigation to community resources for IV-D agency involved families with severe and intensive social service needs; employment, secure housing, medical conditions, education, etc.

• Conducts interviews both in the office, by phone and at off site locations to determine each customer's eligibility for the Alternative Solutions program.

•  Interview customers to determine appropriateness for referral to public assistance programs, by identifying, analyzing and discussing the customer's individual circumstances, possible barriers such as domestic violence, substance abuse disorders and equal access accommodations.

• Utilizes in-depth interviewing techniques with program participants discussing confidential and sensitive information.

• Collaborate with program participant using a family centered approach and coaching techniques to develop Individualized Solutions Plan to address identified barriers, and intensely monitors progress and revises when appropriate.

• Train and audit staff in all aspects of the Alternative Solution program policies and procedures as well as child support collection/enforcement as needed.

• Serves as liaison for the Washington State IV-D program to other agencies, community based organizations, state and federal authorities. This could include preparing and delivering informational presentations related to Alternative Solutions program or Division of Child Support information.

• Analyzes individual, state, and federal goals, and reviews and safeguards confidential IRS reports that carry both personal liability and penalties for misuse in accordance with federal and state law.

What we are looking for

• Extensive knowledge of DCS, its programs and policies, WAC, RCW and CFR laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of SEMS and associated systems.

• Expert case management skills with emphasis in Conference Boards, Administrative Hearings, Child Support Order interpretation, Modifications, Graduated Payment Plans, license suspension/release, passport suspension/release, and Intergovernmental processes to help clients find resources to address multi-jurisdictional legal issues.

• Knowledgeable about community resources and related programs, ability to network, and a desire to become a statewide expert on community service programs.

• Able to effectively work with DCS, ESA, DSHS, Tribal and County programs, and any one of our interagency partners to facilitate barrier removal for clients.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues in a manner understandable by a diverse public, and ability to deliver program information to the comprehension level of the audience, as appropriate.

• Analytical skills to read, interpret, understand legal documents and to apply rules, laws, and policies.

• Conflict resolution skills to de-escalate emotionally charged interactions with clients.

• Investigative and interview skills to find information from a variety of sources, databases, and people in order to determine a parent's needs/goals and locate appropriate resources.

• Case management skills as demonstrated by the ability to manage a diverse caseload.

Who should apply

Position typically requires a Bachelor's degree and two years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

Or

Equivalent education/experience

Interested? Please include:

• Updated resume in chronological order

• Cover letter

• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Email peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 04908.  

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission that you bring 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) 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.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Benefits

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 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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022

Agency

State of Washington

Address

View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Phone

View Posting for Agency Contact

Website

http://www.careers.wa.gov