DSHS ESA Child Support Enforcement Officer 3

Full Job Description

Child Support Enforcement Officer 3 - Lead Worker

The Division of Child Support is hiring for a Support Enforcement Officer 3 to serve as a lead worker in their Olympia office.

As a Support Enforcement Officer 3, you'll step in when families need stability and fairness by ensuring children get the financial and medical support they are owed.

You'll research cases, understand the details, and take action that can change someone’s future.

You will work on complex cases, solve problems, and make informed decisions using your expertise and judgment.

As a lead worker, you will also guide and support others on your team, helping them learn and grow. Some days are fast and busy. Some conversations are tough. But every day, your work has purpose. You are the person who brings clarity, structure, and accountability when it matters most.

Please note: This position is currently approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. The current expectation would be to work at least one day in-office per week and telework when a presence in-office is not required.

See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:


Some of what you will do:

• Interview parents, employers and others to gather and verify financial and case information.
• Explain child support laws, policies and processes in a way people can understand.
• Establish, modify and enforce child and medical support orders.
• Calculate support amounts and past-due balances using detailed financial information.
• Take enforcement actions such as wage withholding, liens or asset seizure when needed.
• Manage complex cases that may involve multiple states, tribes or countries.
• Resolve conflicts and help people work through disagreements about support and debt.
• Review legal and financial documents to make accurate and fair decisions.
• Train, coach and guide team members while checking the quality of their work.
• Act as a lead worker by assigning tasks, answering questions and supporting team success.
• Research and locate individuals and assets using a variety of tools and systems.
• Ensure all actions follow federal and state laws, timelines and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate records while protecting confidential information.

Who should apply?

Two years of college level coursework*,

AND

Four years* of experience related to child support enforcement and/or debt collection, including two years of experience as a Support Enforcement Officer.

*Note: Equivalent education and/or experience may be substitute year for year.

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for:

• Understanding of laws and regulations: Knowledge of State statutes and Federal regulations, court decisions, paternity proceedings, accounting and collection practices, legal rights, and remedies in support enforcement.
• Math skills: Calculates support amounts and debt balances quickly and accurately using detailed financial data.
• Team leadership: You’re confident mentoring others and helping them grow in their roles.
• Collection experience: You have experience with enforcement practices, interpreting financial records, and tracking payments.
• Time management: You juggle competing tasks and deadlines without letting the details slip.
• Investigative skills: You know how to gather information from various sources to make informed decisions.
• Adaptability: You stay steady and responsive in a fast-changing policy and workload environment.
• Technical skills: You are comfortable using case management systems like the Support Enforcement Management System.
• Independence: You work well on your own, make sound decisions, and stay focused on priorities.
• Conflict resolution skills: To calmly and respectfully de-escalate difficult or emotionally charged interactions.
• Strong communication skills: Able to clearly explain complex legal and financial information to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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 the assigned DSHS recruiter by email Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and quote job number 02569.

Additional 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.