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DSHS OOS PROGRAM SPECIALIST 4

Company: State of Washington
Location: Olympia
Posted on: October 23, 2024

Job Description:

Salary : $61,404.00 - $82,512.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent

Job Number: 2024-11418

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: OOS

Opening Date: 10/14/2024

Closing Date: 10/25/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

DSHS OOS Program Specialist 4

Are you ready to make a difference in a role that directly impacts the lives of vulnerable communities? The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Program Specialist 4 to join the Office of Justice and Civil Rights (OJCR) within the in Olympia, WA.

In this dynamic position, you will play a pivotal role in advocating for equitable access and supporting our mission to serve Washington's most at-risk populations. Your expertise in data analysis, communication, and policy coordination will help improve the DSHS customer service experience and foster stronger relationships between DSHS, the public, and government entities.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that drives meaningful change. You'll work closely with the Community Relations teams to enhance services, resolve inquiries, and contribute to innovative solutions that uphold the values of DSHS. If you're passionate about community service, equity, and creating lasting impact, this role is for you.
Join us today-apply your skills and help us partner with people to provide support, care, and resources, empowering individuals to shape their own lives!

Some of what you'll do:

  • Serve as the point of contact for inquiries on behalf of the DSHS Secretary, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, elected officials, and the public.
  • Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, creating reports and visual aids to support decision-making.
  • Ensure timely responses to community inquiries and identify workflow barriers, recommending improvements.
  • Support the Advocacy and Community Relations Manager by attending meetings, taking minutes, and assisting with materials development.
  • Track and analyze data to deliver accurate monthly reports, including high-priority inquiries.
  • Ensure communication aligns with DSHS mission and values across departments. Who should apply?
    • Professionals with a Bachelor's degree*
      OR
    • A high school diploma or GED AND four years of experience in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with public and private agencies, government entities, and vulnerable populations, including those with criminal backgrounds, psychiatric care, mental health, behavioral management, or other special needs. What we're looking for:
      • Detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
      • Skilled in researching, evaluating data, and applying laws, rules, and policies.
      • Strong ability to explain complex information clearly in both writing and speaking. Able to create official letters and emails.
      • Able to work well in a team, build relationships, and provide excellent customer service, even in tough situations.
      • Proficient in MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel, with the ability to quickly learn new systems and solve problems. How to apply:
        To apply, please complete your profile and submit the following:
        • A cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications for this position.
        • Your current resume.
        • Three professional references with up-to-date contact information.

          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.

          Questions?
          Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #11418.
          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.

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

          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 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

          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

          01

          Do you have experience in the following areas? (Select all that apply):
          • Planning
          • Policy analysis
          • Coordination
          • Consultation with public and private agencies
          • Consultation with government entities
          • Consultation with vulnerable populations (e.g., individuals with criminal backgrounds, psychiatric care, or mental health needs)
          • None of the above

            Required Question

Keywords: State of Washington, Federal Way , DSHS OOS PROGRAM SPECIALIST 4, Other , Olympia, Washington

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